8.9 Kg Hydroponic Marijuana Worth ₹8.9 Crore Seized From Bangkok Passenger At Ahmedabad

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs on Monday seized 8.913 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at around ₹8.9 crore, from a Mumbai resident who had arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport from Bangkok, officials said.

Passenger intercepted after arriving from Bangkok

Acting on the basis of passenger profiling, AIU officers intercepted the male passenger after he arrived in Ahmedabad on Thai Airways flight TG 343 from Bangkok on September 21.

Marijuana concealed in 14 airtight packets

During a detailed examination of his check-in baggage, the officers allegedly found a green-coloured substance concealed among clothes. The substance had been packed in 14 airtight plastic packets, which were hidden inside the baggage, according to Customs officials.

Field test confirms presence of ganja

The officers conducted a preliminary test using an NDPS field-testing kit, following which the substance tested positive for ganja (marijuana). The total weight of the recovered contraband was recorded as approximately 8.9 kg.

Contraband valued at ₹8.9 crore; passenger arrested

Customs officials said the seized substance has an estimated market value of ₹8.9 crore.

The contraband was seized under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The passenger was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling of the narcotic substance.

Investigation underway into possible trafficking links

The latest seizure is part of the continued scrutiny of passengers arriving at Ahmedabad airport from international destinations, with Customs officials relying on passenger profiling and baggage checks to detect suspected smuggling attempts.

Further investigation is under way to ascertain the source of the marijuana, the intended destination of the consignment and whether the arrested passenger was acting on behalf of a wider trafficking network. Customs officials are also examining the passenger’s travel history and other relevant links as part of the investigation.