In a major operation, customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru arrested a passenger arriving from Bangkok with a large quantity of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 523 crore. The seizure is one of the largest drug hauls at the airport in recent years.
Details of the Seizure
The passenger, identified as a 35-year-old man, was intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department on Thursday. Upon searching his luggage, officials found 523 kg of hydroponic ganja, a high-grade cannabis cultivated in controlled environments. The drugs were cleverly concealed in suitcases with false bottoms and wrapped in vacuum-sealed packets to avoid detection.
Hydroponic ganja is known for its higher potency compared to traditional cannabis, making it more sought after in the illegal drug market. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is Rs 523 crore, based on current market rates.
Investigation Underway
The accused has been taken into custody and is being questioned about the source of the drugs and the intended recipients. Preliminary investigations suggest that the ganja was likely destined for supply in various cities across India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Customs officials are working with other law enforcement agencies to trace the network behind this smuggling operation.
This seizure comes amidst heightened vigilance at Indian airports following an increase in drug trafficking attempts. Officials have intensified screening of passengers from Southeast Asian countries, which are known transit points for narcotics.
The passenger has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further legal proceedings are in progress. The customs department has lauded the efforts of the AIU team for their alertness and thorough inspection.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in curbing the illegal drug trade and the importance of robust security measures at international entry points.
