A routine profiling exercise at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport led to the seizure of hydroponic weed worth ₹4.83 crore, exposing yet another suspected international drug smuggling attempt involving a passenger arriving from Bangkok.
The accused, an Indian national travelling on Air India flight AI 2335, was intercepted by customs officials shortly after he crossed the Green Channel on June 21. What initially appeared to be an ordinary baggage check soon turned into a major narcotics recovery after officers detected suspicious images during an X-ray screening.
The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, while investigators began probing whether he was acting alone or as part of a larger syndicate.
Customs officials intercept passenger after profiling
According to an official statement, the passenger was selected for inspection based on intelligence profiling after arriving from Bangkok.
According to The Hindu, authorities said the baggage attracted attention during routine X-ray screening, prompting officers to carry out a detailed examination.
During the inspection, customs officials recovered around 13.84 kilograms of hydroponic weed concealed inside the luggage.
The total estimated market value of the seized contraband has been pegged at ₹4.83 crore.
The passenger was immediately taken into custody and booked under the NDPS Act, which governs narcotics-related offences in India.
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What makes hydroponic weed different?
Hydroponic weed is considered a premium and highly potent variety of cannabis that is cultivated without soil.
Instead, it is grown using water-based nutrient solutions under controlled conditions, resulting in higher concentrations of psychoactive compounds.
Because of its superior quality and stronger effects, hydroponic weed commands significantly higher prices in illegal markets compared to traditional cannabis.
According to The Hindu, over the past few years, law enforcement agencies have increasingly reported attempts to smuggle hydroponic cannabis into India through international airports. Thailand, which has witnessed evolving cannabis regulations in recent years, has also emerged as one of the locations being monitored closely by Indian authorities.
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Probe underway into larger trafficking links
According to The Hindu, customs officials have launched a wider investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the seized narcotics.
Authorities are also trying to establish whether the accused was operating independently or was part of an organised international trafficking network.
The seized drugs, along with their packaging material, have been taken into custody for further forensic examination.
