In a major drug bust at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, immigration authorities detained six Thai nationals on Saturday after allegedly recovering approximately 20 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis worth over Rs 19.7 crore from their luggage. The seizure occurred during the arrival clearance of Air India Express flight IX 215 from Bangkok.
Initial Suspicion and Detention
According to sources, two Thai passengers were initially flagged during an advance passenger information system analysis due to suspected involvement in the smuggling of contraband items. Following the alert, they were detained along with five other Thai nationals. All seven individuals were handed over to the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) for a thorough baggage examination.
Recovery of Contraband
During the scanning of their luggage, customs officials allegedly recovered hydroponic weed concealed in multiple bags. The total quantity seized was around 20 kilograms. Sources confirmed that the contraband was recovered from six of the seven Thai nationals who were traveling together.
During questioning, the passengers reportedly showed photographs of the Buddhist stupa at Sarnath, indicating that they may have been visiting the country for a religious trip. However, an official stated, "We feel that the pilgrimage was used as a cover for narcotics smuggling."
Legal Proceedings
In an official statement issued by the Customs AIU on Sunday evening, the six Thai passengers were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and were sent to judicial remand. A senior AIU official confirmed, "The total seized contraband weighs around 19.7 kg, and its worth has been estimated to be Rs 19.7 crore."
Previous Similar Incident
This seizure comes barely a week after another major drug haul at the same airport. On May 23, an Indore couple posing as fiancés was arrested with 19.8 kg of hydroponic weed valued at approximately Rs 6.93 crore. In that case, immigration officials first detected suspicious travel patterns before the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) initiated legal proceedings against the accused.
Possible Change in Smuggling Tactics
Officials suspect the latest case could point to a change in smuggling tactics. An official remarked, "There are chances that the smugglers have changed their modus operandi by using Thai passengers." Meanwhile, the Customs AIU has not issued any official statement regarding the detention of the Thai nationals or the value of the seized contraband. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source, destination, and intended recipients of the narcotics.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to curb drug trafficking through international airports.
