In a significant anti-narcotics operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have confiscated a large consignment of high-grade cannabis at Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. The seizure, valued at a staggering Rs 12.7 crore in the illicit market, involved 12.7 kilograms of the banned substance.
Three Passengers Intercepted from Thailand Flight
The operation unfolded on Monday when vigilant DRI officers intercepted three Indian nationals who had just arrived from Thailand. The individuals were travelling on Flight FD-146. Upon a thorough examination of their checked-in luggage, the sleuths discovered multiple packets that were vacuum-sealed. These packets contained a greenish, lumpy material which immediately raised suspicion.
High-Potency Hydroponic Cannabis Identified
Field tests conducted at the spot confirmed that the substance was indeed cannabis. Officials later indicated that the seized contraband appears to be hydroponic cannabis. This particular variety is cultivated using a sophisticated method that does not require soil. Instead, it is grown in controlled indoor environments using nutrient-rich water, a technique that results in a product with exceptionally high potency. Due to its strength, hydroponic cannabis commands a premium price and is in high demand within illegal drug networks.
The three passengers were immediately taken into custody. They have been arrested under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind this smuggling attempt.
Major Spike in Narcotics Recovery at Lucknow Airport
This latest bust highlights a worrying trend of increased narcotics trafficking through the Lucknow airport. With this seizure, the total quantity of narcotics recovered by agencies at this airport in the past six months has surpassed 75 kilograms. This haul includes multiple consignments of high-grade cannabis, similar to the one seized on Monday, along with other banned psychoactive substances.
The successful interception underscores the continued vigilance of the DRI and other agencies at key entry points. It also sends a strong message about the risks associated with attempting to smuggle drugs into the country, especially as enforcement mechanisms become more sophisticated.
