Ahmedabad Customs Intercepts Hydroponic Marijuana Worth Crores at Airport
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department made a significant bust at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad, seizing 2.2 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana from two individuals. This incident represents the ninth such interception recorded at airports in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Surat, since the beginning of the year, underscoring a persistent smuggling challenge.
Details of the Interception and Arrests
Acting on specific intelligence provided by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), officers from the AIU in Ahmedabad targeted two Indian nationals arriving from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport. A thorough examination of their baggage revealed eight vacuum-sealed plastic packets, with four packets recovered from each passenger, containing a greenish substance. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be hydroponic marijuana, a high-potency form of cannabis.
Both passengers, identified as residents of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, were promptly arrested under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive probe to uncover further details and connections in this smuggling operation.
Value and Smuggling Trends of Hydroponic Marijuana
The seized hydroponic marijuana is estimated to have a market value of approximately Rs 35 lakh per kilogram. This value escalates significantly when the contraband reaches street-level dealers, making it a lucrative commodity for traffickers. In most documented cases, the source of such shipments is traced back to Southeast Asian nations, where smugglers often recruit individuals without prior criminal records to transport the drugs into India.
Experts involved in the investigation note that consignments are typically concealed within cabin baggage or hidden among other personal items to evade detection. "There are multiple reasons why, in the recent past, we have seen a rise in its smuggling," stated an expert associated with the case. "Compared to naturally cultivated cannabis, hydroponic weed is grown using a nutrient-rich water solution without soil, resulting in much higher potency for the same quantity. It is increasingly viewed as a luxury product and an alternative to synthetic drugs, allowing suppliers to command higher profits."
Recent Seizures at Gujarat Airports in 2024
The following list highlights key incidents of hydroponic marijuana seizures at Gujarat airports this year, demonstrating the ongoing efforts by customs authorities:
- March 21: AIU at Surat seized seven vacuum-packed packets from the backrests of four seats on an aircraft traveling from Surat to Delhi.
- March 14: AIU at Surat confiscated 1.6kg of hydroponic weed from a pouch designated for storing safety jackets beneath seats.
- March 10: AIU at Surat recovered 3.7kg of hydroponic weed, packed in vacuum-sealed packets, from an aircraft, with pouches hidden beneath seven seats.
- February 9: AIU at Surat seized 2kg of hydroponic weed from six brown-colored packets found in the leg area of a seat on a flight from Bangkok to Surat.
- February 6: AIU at Surat intercepted seven packets containing 6.9kg of hydroponic weed from the seat backrest of a flight from Bangkok to Surat, leading to the apprehension of four individuals.
- February 2: A female passenger arriving from Bangkok to Ahmedabad was intercepted by AIU at Ahmedabad with 948 grams of hydroponic weed concealed within nine packets of food and chocolate in a travel bag.
- January 25: Four persons arriving from Bangkok with a transit stop in Kuala Lumpur were intercepted at Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the seizure of 12.4kg of hydroponic weed.
These incidents collectively highlight the intensified vigilance and operational successes of customs units in combating drug trafficking through Gujarat's aviation hubs.
