Influencer Harsha Sunny Arrested in Mumbai Airport Drug Bust.

The Mumbai airport drug seizure case has gained national attention after the Air Intelligence Unit of Customs arrested Kerala-based model and influencer Harsha Sunny. Officials alleged that 11.824 kilograms of hydroponic weed worth approximately ₹11.82 crore was recovered from her checked-in baggage after she arrived from Bangkok at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. According to Customs, the passenger was intercepted through the Advance Passenger Information System profiling. A detailed baggage examination reportedly led to the recovery of twelve vacuum-sealed packets containing suspected hydroponic marijuana. The case has been registered under the NDPS Act.

Mumbai Airport Drug Seizure: Model Harsha Sunny Arrested After Customs Seizes Hydroponic Weed Worth Rs 11.82 Crore

Mumbai Customs has arrested Kerala-based model and social media influencer Harsha Sunny after allegedly recovering 11.824 kg of hydroponic weed from her baggage at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport following her arrival from Bangkok.

The Mumbai airport drug seizure case has drawn significant attention after the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs allegedly recovered hydroponic weed valued at approximately Rs 11.82 crore from a passenger arriving from Bangkok.

According to Customs officials, the accused has been identified as Harsha Sunny, a Kerala-based model, social media influencer, dancer and banking professional. She was intercepted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) after arriving on an international flight from Bangkok.

Officials stated that Harsha Sunny was selected for examination based on profiling conducted through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which is used by authorities to identify potentially high-risk passengers.

During initial screening, Customs officers reportedly conducted a personal search in the presence of independent witnesses. However, no prohibited substance was allegedly found on her person at that stage.

AIU Examination Leads to Alleged Recovery of Hydroponic Weed

Customs officials subsequently carried out a detailed examination of Harsha Sunny’s baggage, including a handbag, cabin trolley bag and checked-in trolley luggage carried on the flight.

According to the official version, officers discovered twelve vacuum-sealed packets concealed inside the checked-in trolley bag. The packets reportedly contained a green-coloured substance suspected to be a narcotic material.

Authorities stated that the substance was tested using a field testing kit, which allegedly confirmed the presence of hydroponic marijuana, commonly known as hydroponic weed.

The seized substance weighed 11.824 kilograms, according to Customs records. Officials estimated its value at approximately Rs 11.82 crore in the illicit international narcotics market.

Hydroponic weed is a high-potency form of cannabis cultivated using controlled hydroponic methods rather than traditional soil-based agricultural techniques. Law enforcement agencies consider it a high-value narcotic substance.

Following the seizure, Customs registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and initiated formal legal proceedings against the accused.

Also Read: Pradeep Sharma Encounter Complaint Sparks Probe Demand.

Harsha Sunny’s Background and Competition Recognition

Harsha Sunny came into public prominence after participating in Mrs Kerala Global 2025, a beauty pageant organised by Pegasus Global Private Limited in Kochi, Kerala.

According to publicly available information, she secured the First Runner-Up position in the competition and also received the sub-title of “Mrs Kerala Inspiring”.

Originally from Wayanad district in Kerala, Harsha Sunny has been associated with modelling, social media content creation, dance and the banking sector.

Some reports have also described her professional role as a relationship manager employed by a private company. Authorities have not publicly linked her employment history to the allegations under investigation.

Investigation Expands Beyond Airport Seizure

Customs officials stated that Harsha Sunny was served with a summons under Section 67 of the NDPS Act, and her statement was recorded as part of the investigation.

She was subsequently arrested and produced before the competent court, which remanded her to judicial custody pending further proceedings.

Investigators are now examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged transportation of the narcotic substance and are attempting to identify any additional individuals who may be connected to the suspected smuggling network.

The case forms part of broader efforts by Mumbai Customs and the Air Intelligence Unit to detect and prevent drug trafficking through international airports, particularly on routes identified as high-risk by enforcement agencies.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to examine travel records, communication trails and other evidence to determine whether the alleged seizure was linked to a wider narcotics distribution operation. Sprouts News will continue to monitor official developments in the case.

Hydroponic Cannabis Network Reaching Maharashtra from Thailand

After Thailand removed cannabis from the category of criminal offences in 2022, large-scale production of hydroponic cannabis began in the country. Against this backdrop, reports have emerged that high-potency hydroponic cannabis is being transported from Bangkok to Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and other cities across Maharashtra. According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, this international trafficking network is generating substantial profits, with upscale residential societies and affluent neighbourhoods becoming key targets.

Growing ‘Home Delivery’ Racket in High-End Residential Areas

According to information gathered by investigative agencies, this cannabis is not being sold solely through traditional street-level channels. In many cases, it is reportedly reaching consumers directly through courier services or food delivery networks. Employees in the IT sector, upper-middle-class individuals, and young people from wealthy families are said to be among the primary customers. The delivery of such substances even into heavily secured residential complexes has created significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.

Hydroponic Cannabis Known as the ‘Poor Man’s Cocaine’

Traditional cannabis typically contains around 3 per cent THC, whereas hydroponically cultivated cannabis can contain THC levels of up to 30 percent. It is grown indoors using artificial lighting, controlled temperatures, and specialised nutrient solutions. Experts say that because of its intense psychoactive effects and relatively lower cost compared to other narcotics, it has earned the nickname “the poor man’s cocaine” in some international circles. Authorities and health experts have expressed concern that these factors are contributing to rising demand among young people.

Trafficking Chain and the Economics of Massive Profits

Officials say the substance is often transported into India from Bangkok in vacuum-sealed packages. To evade airport screening, traffickers allegedly conceal it inside food containers, fruit bags, or hidden compartments in luggage. Cannabis that may cost around ₹100,000 in Thailand can reportedly increase in value several times over once it reaches India, with retail sales generating revenues of up to ₹1.5 million. Investigative agencies believe that these enormous profit margins are strengthening international trafficking networks and underscore the need for more effective enforcement measures.

Readers’ Appeal

Readers having information, documents or views relating to narcotics trafficking, airport smuggling networks, or this case may contact Senior Investigative Journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and the Sprouts News Investigation Team on 9322755098.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.