Mumbai Customs destroys 14 MT of illicit substance

Picture though sources from Custom department.

In a decisive move against narcotics smuggling, officers of Mumbai Customs, Zone-III oversaw the destruction of nearly 14 metric tonnes of illicit substances through incineration at a waste disposal facility in Taloja, near Mumbai.

"The confiscated contraband included 13,860 kilograms of liquorice roots infused with heroin, as well as 86.5 kilograms of Hydroponic Weed, a high-value variant of Ganja, valued at a staggering Rs 38.92 Crore. The seizure of these substances was the result of meticulous intelligence work and swift action by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), MZU. The liquorice roots, purportedly soaked in heroin solution, were ingeniously imported under the guise of edible items to evade suspicion", said a customs official.

The operation, which commenced on February 7, spanned over two days and was conducted under the vigil of senior officials including the Chief Commissioner of Customs, Zone-III, and the Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), along with other officers and staff.

"This significant bust followed a series of successful operations by the DRI, MZU, including the interception of the Hydroponic Weed concealed within a fire-place cavity at the Courier Cell Terminal, Sahar, Mumbai, in September 2022. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies led to the interception and subsequent disposal of these dangerous substances, preventing their distribution and potential harm to the community", the office added

An insider source of customs department said, "Additionally, 6250 kilograms of confiscated cigarettes, valued at Rs 5.5 Crore were also destroyed in the incineration process. The cigarettes, totaling 54 lakh sticks, were seized from passengers arriving from various countries at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. Importation of these cigarettes is prohibited under various provisions of the law".

In another recent action by customs department, Customs officials at Mumbai Airport intercepted a significant amount of gold totalling 6.33 kilograms, valued at 3.49 crore rupees, in five separate cases involving Indian nationals.

The gold was concealed by the accused individuals, hidden within various items including their clothing, mobile chargers, purses, hair dryers, and even the corner piping of check-in bags.