In a major crackdown by the Mumbai Customs Zone-III, the authorities made two significant drug seizures at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on August 7, 2025. While making the substantial seizure of contrabands at the CSMI airport, two individuals, including an airline staff member, were arrested. 

The operation resulted in the seizure of 0.947 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), which has been valued at around Rs 0.94 crores, and gold dust weighing 3.02 kg valued at Rs 2.78 crores, across 02 cases. 

Gold worth Rs. 2.78 crore recovered from airline staff

The customs officials at the airport intercepted one of the airport staff and seized 24 Kt gold dust concealed in wax (six pieces). The gold wax weighed 3.02 kg and is said to be valued at around Rs. 2.78 crores. As per the reports, the gold was found hidden inside specially designed belts worn beneath the suspect’s innerwear. However, acting smartly on the situation, the authorities made the seizure, and the airline staff were booked under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.