Smuggling Trends Shift at Mumbai Airport: Drug Seizures Surge, Gold Down

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, is witnessing a major change in smuggling patterns. While gold smuggling has declined sharply over the past two years, narcotics trafficking — especially hydroponic cannabis — has risen dramatically, according to Mumbai Airport Customs data.

Gold Smuggling Sees Sharp Decline

Gold seizures peaked in 2023-24 before falling significantly in the following years.

*Data till March 2026

Why Did Gold Smuggling Fall?

Customs officials linked the decline to changes in import duty.

• In 2022, higher import duties made gold smuggling highly profitable.
• On July 23, 2024, the Union Budget reduced gold import duty from 15% to 6%.
• The revised rate came into effect from July 24, 2024.
• Lower duties reduced profit margins for smugglers, leading to fewer cases.

However, in May 2026, the government raised the effective duty back to 15% due to concerns over the trade deficit and foreign exchange outflows.

Officials believe this increase could once again trigger a rise in gold smuggling. Current seizure figures do not yet reflect the impact of the latest duty hike.

While gold seizures declined, narcotics trafficking witnessed explosive growth.

*Data till February 2026

Shift From Gold to Narcotics

According to customs officials:

• Organised smuggling syndicates are increasingly shifting from gold to narcotics trafficking.
• Hydroponic cannabis has become the preferred contraband due to:
  • Higher profit margins
  • Growing urban demand
  • Comparatively lower legal risk than heroin or cocaine

Officials said most consignments originate in Thailand and are routed through:

• Bangkok
• Hong Kong
• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore
• Colombo

before reaching Mumbai.

The Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) recorded a massive rise in hydroponic cannabis seizures.

*Data till February 2026

Why Hydroponic Cannabis?

Hydroponic cannabis is cultivated using nutrient-rich water instead of soil and contains significantly higher THC levels.

Officials said it commands premium prices in metro cities like Mumbai, making it highly attractive for traffickers.

The surge is also linked to Thailand’s 2022 cannabis decriminalisation policy, which led to rapid expansion of cannabis businesses. Although Thailand tightened regulations again in June 2025 under the Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) Act, smuggling networks continue to exploit international passenger and cargo routes.

How Customs Is Tackling Smuggling

Customs authorities have strengthened surveillance at Mumbai airport using the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).

High-Risk Passengers Flagged Through:

• Travel history
• Booking behaviour
• Last-minute ticket purchases
• Frequent international travel
• Unusual transit routes
• Previous records

Detection Methods Used by Officials

Authorities said customs teams rely on:

• Behavioural profiling
• Spot checks
• X-ray screening
• Physical baggage inspections
• Electronic device checks
• Aircraft compartment inspections

Intelligence support from agencies such as the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Narcotics Control Bureau is also helping track organised smuggling networks.

Smugglers Using Sophisticated Methods

Officials said gold smugglers are increasingly using advanced concealment techniques, including:

• Gold paste
• Powdered gold mixed with wax

These methods help evade metal detectors and X-ray scanners during airport checks.