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.
Financial Year
Gold Seized
Estimated Value
Number of Cases
2023-24
999 kg
Rs 531 crore
1,463
2024-25
501 kg
Rs 329 crore
723
2025-26*
80 kg
Rs 84 crore
139
*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.
Drug Smuggling Cases Rise Rapidly
While gold seizures declined, narcotics trafficking witnessed explosive growth.
Financial Year
NDPS Cases
Contraband Seized
Estimated Value
2022-23
14
24 kg
Rs 186 crore
2025-26*
235
1,395 kg
Rs 1,512 crore
*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.
Hydroponic Cannabis Seizures Spike
The Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) recorded a massive rise in hydroponic cannabis seizures.
Financial Year
Cases
Quantity Seized
2023-24
9
25 kg
2024-25
57
—
2025-26*
235
1,395 kg
*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.
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