In a significant operation on May 17, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Mumbai arrested seven individuals involved in two separate smuggling cases at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).

Six passengers—Suleman Shaikh, Sirajuddin Patel, Paras Palekar, Shafi Shaikh, Faraz Shaikh, and Aman Talwani—arrived from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight. Upon crossing the green channel, DRI officials apprehended them and seized

112 iPhones

102 refurbished laptops

6 Google Pixel phones

216 cosmetic items

Approximately 95 kg of tobacco

The total value of the seized goods is estimated at ₹1.48 crore. Investigations suggest that this group is part of a larger international smuggling network. All six individuals have been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

In a separate incident, Abakar Ali Mahamat, a Chadian national, was intercepted after arriving from Addis Ababa. During a personal search, DRI officials discovered 4,015 grams (approximately 4 kg) of gold concealed within the heels of his slippers. The gold, valued at ₹3.86 crore, was seized, and Mahamat was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigations are underway to trace the origin and intended recipients of the smuggled gold.

These operations highlight the DRI’s continued vigilance and efforts to combat smuggling activities at Mumbai’s international airport.

Sources