Major Drug Bust at Pune Airport: Customs Seizes Hydroponic Weed Worth Rs 8.71 Crore
In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Pune Customs has executed the largest seizure of high-end hydroponic weed at Pune airport to date. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of more than 8 kilograms of the illicit substance, with an estimated street value of Rs 8.71 crore.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
According to officials, the bust unfolded when four passengers arrived in Pune from Bangkok aboard an IndiGo flight. A fifth individual was apprehended near the arrival area, allegedly waiting to receive them. All five arrested persons are men aged between 21 and 30 years. The four carriers hail from Jharkhand, while the suspected handler, who was waiting at the airport, is from Ratnagiri district.
The hydroponic weed was ingeniously concealed inside boxes of chocolates. In total, authorities recovered 16 airtight sealed packets containing the drug from the suspects' handbags. Each of the four carriers was found to be in possession of over 2 kilograms of the contraband.
Investigation and Interrogations Underway
Customs officers have launched a thorough investigation into the case. During initial interrogations, the arrested men claimed they were lured to Bangkok with promises of employment. They alleged that upon arrival, the job offers vanished, and they were given the chocolate boxes to carry back to India. Officials are examining these claims from multiple angles, with further interrogations expected to reveal more details and uncover the truth behind their statements.
Pattern of Smuggling at Pune Airport
This incident is part of a troubling trend of attempted smuggling of high-end weed at Pune airport this year. Notably, on February 11, Customs officers seized weed worth Rs 5.4 crore from a passenger who arrived on an Air India Express flight from Bangkok. In that case, the drug was wrapped in carbon paper and neatly packed inside five toy boxes.
More recently, on March 3, the Customs team recovered weed valued at Rs 74.5 lakh from the lavatory of an Air India Express flight that had also arrived from Bangkok. These repeated incidents highlight the ongoing challenges in curbing drug trafficking through the airport.
The Pune Customs AIU continues to enhance surveillance and intelligence operations to combat such smuggling attempts. The current case underscores the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers, including the use of everyday items like chocolate boxes for concealment. Authorities remain vigilant, and investigations are progressing to identify any larger networks involved in these illicit activities.
