Customs seizes gold, iPhones, currency worth Rs 7.5 crore at Mumbai airport

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The Mumbai Airport Customs Department has seized 11.62 kg of gold and iPhones valued at Rs 7.44 crore and Rs 12 lakh in cash in separate cases at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or CSMIA, an official said on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

The action was taken in 18 cases of contraband seizure between Tuesday and Thursday. The official also informed PTI that seven people were arrested and taken into police custody. Further investigation was underway, the official added.

Brazilian national held at Mumbai airport for smuggling cocaine

Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) intercepted a Brazilian national on May 8, 2024, based on specific intelligence regarding drug smuggling. The suspect aroused suspicion and upon questioning, confessed to ingesting capsules containing drugs, intending to smuggle them into India.

"On questioning the passenger admitted to having ingested capsules containing drugs and carrying the same in his body for smuggling into India. The passenger was produced before the Magistrate and as per the court order, he was admitted to Sir JJ Hospital, Mumbai," an official said.

After being taken into custody, the person was brought before a magistrate, who granted them admission to Mumbai's Sir JJ Hospital. The Brazilian national purged 110 capsules totalling 975 grams of cocaine during their hospital stay; these capsules are estimated to be worth Rs. 9.75 crores on the black market.

On May 10, 2024, the seized material - which turned out to be cocaine - was taken away in compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985.

The arrested individual is currently in custody, and further investigations are underway to find and apprehend more members of this worldwide drug smuggling syndicate. This is the DRI's second such action in a week.