The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of customs arrested two men from Uttar Pradesh at Mumbai airport on Saturday for smuggling 8.5 kg of hydroponic cannabis, valued at Rs 8.5 crore, hidden in their luggage.
The accused, Mohd. Swail (23) and Sameer Khan (21), both hailing from Fatehpur district, Uttar Pradesh, arrived in Mumbai from Kolkata on August 16. Acting on specific intelligence, officials examined their baggage and uncovered hydroponically grown cannabis packaged in polythene bags.
The AIU confirmed that the seized substance qualifies as a “narcotic drug” under section 2 of the NDPS Act, 1985. Both suspects were arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. They appeared before the Holiday Court and were placed under judicial custody.
Their advocate, Prabhakar Tripathi, informed the court that his clients were unknowingly involved. They were reportedly asked by a mutual acquaintance to carry a baggage containing food items for their family in India. Acting in good faith, they agreed, unaware of the concealed contraband inside.
