In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, officials at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) have intercepted a large consignment of high-grade marijuana. The operation led to the seizure of hydroponically cultivated ganja valued at a staggering Rs 6.23 crore in the illicit market.
Massive Haul and Arrests at the Airport
The bust was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Bengaluru Customs Commissionerate based on specific intelligence. The contraband was discovered on December 28, 2024. Authorities successfully apprehended three Indian nationals in connection with the smuggling attempt. The individuals had arrived in Bengaluru on a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.
The seized narcotic, identified as hydroponic ganja, is a premium variety of cannabis grown in a soil-less, controlled environment. This method often results in a product with higher potency. The total weight of the confiscated drug was 12.46 kilograms.
The Modus Operandi and Concealment
Investigations revealed a deliberate attempt to conceal the drugs from security and customs checks. The hydroponic ganja was meticulously packed and hidden within false bottoms of suitcases carried by the passengers. This technique is commonly employed by smuggling syndicates to evade detection by standard scanning equipment.
The estimated street value of the seizure, Rs 6.23 crore, underscores the scale of the illegal operation and the potential harm it could have caused had it reached its intended destination. The AIU officials acted swiftly on the tip-off, leading to the successful interdiction.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the seizure, the three arrested individuals were taken into custody for further interrogation. The primary focus of the investigation is to unravel the entire supply chain. Authorities are working to identify:
- The source of the narcotics in Thailand.
- The intended recipients and distribution network within India.
- Possible links to larger international drug trafficking syndicates.
The accused are likely to be charged under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Given the commercial quantity of the seizure, the charges carry the possibility of severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
This seizure at KIA is part of a continued vigil by Indian customs and narcotics control agencies against the smuggling of drugs via air routes. It highlights the sophisticated methods used by traffickers and the equally advanced intelligence and detection capabilities being deployed at major airports across the country.
