₹5.38 Crore Hydroponic Weed Seized at Delhi Airport

Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi have foiled a major drug smuggling attempt, seizing 15.38 kilograms of hydroponic weed valued at approximately ₹5.38 crore.

The operation was carried out on June 7 after two passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur on Flight D7-182 were intercepted based on specific intelligence inputs and passenger profiling. Officials became suspicious when the travelers were found carrying two brand-new geysers along with their regular luggage.

Further questioning and examination of the passengers' mobile communications strengthened suspicions, prompting customs officers to subject the appliances to X-ray screening. The scan revealed the possibility of concealed items hidden inside the geysers.

Upon dismantling the appliances, officers discovered a sophisticated concealment mechanism containing 145 vacuum-sealed packets filled with a green leafy substance suspected to be hydroponic weed. The total weight of the recovered narcotics was 15.38 kilograms.

The contraband has been seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Both passengers have been arrested, and authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the drug consignment.

Officials said the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking networks operating through Indian airports.