Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi have seized approximately 13.84 kg of hydroponic weed valued at an estimated Rs 4.83 crore from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, according to an official statement released on June 22, 2026.
Baggage Screening Reveals Suspicious Images
The passenger arrived from Bangkok on Air India flight AI 2335 on June 21 and was intercepted after crossing the Green Channel based on profiling. During X-ray screening of the baggage, officials noticed suspicious images, leading to a detailed examination. The contraband was concealed within the baggage and detected during the screening process.
Further examination resulted in the recovery of hydroponic weed with a total gross weight of 13,840 grams. The estimated value of the seized contraband is around Rs 4.83 crore. Hydroponic weed is a high-potency form of cannabis cultivated using water-based nutrient solutions rather than soil, often commanding a higher price in the illicit market.
Arrest and Legal Action Under NDPS Act
“Accordingly, the passenger was arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and the suspected hydroponic weed along with the packing material was seized,” the official statement said. The arrest was made immediately following the recovery, and the passenger is now in custody.
The NDPS Act prohibits the production, possession, sale, purchase, transport, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes. Offenses under this act can lead to rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines.
Investigation into Trafficking Network Underway
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the contraband and to determine whether the accused was linked to a larger narcotics trafficking network. Customs officials are probing the passenger's travel history and contacts to identify any associates involved in the smuggling operation.
This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts of Indian customs and law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking through major international airports. The IGI Airport has been a focal point for such operations, with multiple seizures reported in recent months.
Significance of Hydroponic Weed Seizure
Hydroponic weed is considered more potent than traditionally grown cannabis due to controlled cultivation conditions. Its high value in the black market makes it a target for smugglers. The seizure of 13.84 kg with an estimated value of Rs 4.83 crore underscores the scale of the illicit trade.
The Customs Department continues to enhance surveillance and profiling techniques to detect concealed contraband. X-ray screening and passenger profiling remain key tools in intercepting such smuggling attempts. The arrested passenger is expected to be produced before a magistrate, and further legal proceedings will follow.
