Pune Customs Makes Second Major Hydroponic Weed Seizure in a Week
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs at Pune airport has once again intercepted a large quantity of high-end hydroponic weed, just five days after a previous major recovery. On Sunday, officials seized 655 grams of the contraband, valued at approximately Rs 65.5 lakh in the illicit market, from a passenger who arrived from Bangkok on an Air India Express flight.
Innovative Concealment Method Uncovered
The hydroponic weed was ingeniously hidden inside a large LED light, where the internal electrical components had been removed to create space for concealment. According to Customs authorities, the passenger, who hails from Mumbai, was traveling on flight IX-241 and had a check-in bag that raised suspicions based on intelligence inputs and profiling. Upon inspection, the unusual LED light was opened from behind, revealing a neatly packed packet of weed wrapped in carbon paper.
This marks the second such seizure at Pune airport this year. Last Wednesday, over 5 kilograms of hydroponic weed, worth Rs 5.42 crore, was recovered from another Mumbai-based traveler arriving from Bangkok, which Customs described as their biggest catch to date.
Officials Highlight Evolving Smuggling Tactics
Customs officials noted that while the quantity in the latest case is smaller, the concealment methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging. "The way this weed is being concealed to fox officials is interesting and challenging," one official stated. In the previous incident, the contraband was hidden in toy boxes to mimic gifts, but alertness from the Customs team prevented successful smuggling attempts.
The passenger involved in Sunday's seizure has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and investigations are ongoing. "Further investigations into the same are ongoing. The man appears to be a willing carrier," an official confirmed.
Pune Targeted Due to High Demand
In earlier discussions, Customs authorities had pointed out that Pune is being targeted for such contraband primarily because of its large student population and numerous educational institutions, which create a ready demand for drugs. This trend underscores the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures at the airport.
The repeated seizures highlight the persistent efforts of Customs officials to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from the dangers of illicit substances.
