Mumbai: A 28-year-old model and former Mrs Kerala beauty pageant contestant was arrested by the Mumbai branch of the Customs department at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport with hydroponic weed worth nearly Rs 12 crore.
The woman, identified as Harsha Sunny, arrived at Mumbai’s from Bangkok on the night of June 10-11 aboard Air India flight TG-351.
Officials intercepted Harsha Sunny on suspicion and subjected her to a detailed examination, officials of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs said. During a search of her trolley bag, officials allegedly recovered 12 vacuum-sealed packets.
Customs officials found a green-coloured substance inside when they opened the packets. Preliminary testing using an NDPS field test kit indicated that the substance was cannabis in the form of dried flowering and fruiting tops, commonly known as hydroponic weed or hydroponic cannabis.
The seized contraband is reportedly valued at more than Rs 11.82 crore, as reported by Republic TV.
During interrogation, Harsha reportedly claimed that during the journey, an unidentified passenger approached her, briefly handed her a bag containing the drugs and then disappeared. However, Customs officials said that they believe the accused is making up the story in an attempt to protect herself.
She has been arrested under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after the recovery, officials said.
Harsha was later produced before the Esplanade (Killa) Court, which remanded her to judicial custody. According to officials, she had participated as a contestant in the Mrs Kerala beauty pageant in 2025.
Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused was part of a larger drug-smuggling network operating between Thailand and India.
