6.6 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth over ₹6 cr seized at Ahmedabad airport, flier held

In a joint operation by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Customs Department at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, officials seized 6.6 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana—commonly referred to as high-grade cannabis—following the interception of a passenger arriving from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur. The haul’s market value is estimated to be over ₹6 crore.

The seizure was made after a suspicious piece of baggage was flagged during routine scanning. Upon examination, officials recovered 12 airtight packets containing a greenish, lumpy substance. Subsequent testing confirmed the material to be marijuana (cannabis), a prohibited narcotic under Indian law.

The passenger, an Indian national, had travelled on an AirAsia flight and was intercepted at the arrival terminal based on profiling and intelligence inputs. He was immediately taken into custody after the contraband was discovered.

The seized narcotics were packed in a manner consistent with smuggling techniques used to transport hydroponically cultivated cannabis, which is often more potent and commands a higher street value than conventional marijuana.

Authorities have booked the individual under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigation is underway to determine whether the accused is part of a larger international drug trafficking network.

Officials at SVPIA stated that vigilance at international terminals has been stepped up following recent trends indicating a surge in trafficking of synthetic and high-potency narcotics into India via Southeast Asia.