Chennai: Customs officials at Chennai airport seized approximately 11 kilograms of hydroponic ganja valued at ₹11 crore from two passengers who arrived from Bangkok via Singapore. This marks the second such seizure in three weeks.
Interception and Seizure
The air intelligence unit at Chennai intercepted the two passengers, both natives of Kerala, on Thursday. Five airtight packets disguised as food items were recovered from their check-in luggage. The second bag contained six additional airtight sachets. The packets held green flowering and fruiting tops with a strong odor, which was confirmed on the spot as hydroponic weed.
Passenger Statements
During inquiries, the passengers admitted that they were hired by cartels to transport the hydroponic weed to Chennai, from where it was to be distributed to Bengaluru and Mumbai. While officials remanded one of them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the other was handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau to trace and secure the intended receivers. Further investigation is underway.
Previous Seizures
On May 25, customs had seized 10.1 kilograms of hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. Since January, authorities have confiscated a total of 65 kilograms of hydroponic weed at Chennai airport.
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About the Author
Venkadesan S is a Special Correspondent who primarily covers electricity, aviation, the information commission, central investigation agencies, and metro rail.
