A male Indian citizen was apprehended by customs officials at Ahmedabad Airport on April 4 after suspicions emerged during the screening of his hand baggage. The individual had arrived on VietJet Airlines Flight VZ-750 from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport at approximately 22:55 hours. Following a thorough inspection, agents discovered four vacuum-sealed packets that were suspected to contain a prohibited substance.

The greenish substance found within the packets was subsequently tested and confirmed to be hydroponic marijuana, weighing a total of 1.107 kilograms. This seizure was part of ongoing efforts by customs officials to combat drug trafficking at the airport. In response to the discovery, representatives from the customs department stated that the contraband would be seized and the passenger taken into custody as per the provisions specified under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.

As investigations continue, the customs authorities are working to gather more information about the origins and intended destination of the drug. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in addressing narcotics smuggling.

Previous Incident at Bengaluru Airport

A similar occurrence was reported at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru just a month earlier. In this instance, customs officials confiscated a substantial quantity of hydronic cannabis totalling 18.6 kilograms, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 6.5 crore. This seizure was made during inspections of luggage belonging to passengers who had also arrived from Bangkok.

Customs authorities acted on suspicions and conducted thorough searches of the bags belonging to two travellers. During these inspections, the concealed cannabis was uncovered, which had been intentionally hidden to evade detection. Both individuals were detained, and cases were filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

This earlier operation illustrates the evolving tactics used by smugglers to transport illegal drugs, with authorities adapting their strategies to counteract these methods. With the rise in such incidents, customs and narcotics control agencies are doubling efforts to foil attempts at smuggling through major airports.

Recent Drug Seizures by NCB

Furthermore, prior to the aforementioned incidents, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) achieved a significant seizure of cocaine at Kempegowda International Airport, apprehending a Brazilian national who attempted to smuggle 4.776 kilograms. This seizure was reportedly valued at around Rs 23.88 crore on the illicit market.

The operation took place shortly before the hydroponic marijuana incidents. Officials indicated that the cocaine was concealed within specially modified handbags that featured hidden compartments designed to transport the drug undetected. This high-profile bust significantly underscores the ongoing vigilance by enforcement agencies in combatting international drug trafficking.

In their communication via ‘X’, the NCB shared details regarding the seizure, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining security at airports and tackling the drug menace vigorously. They reiterated the importance of their operations in preventing illegal substances from entering domestic markets.

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