Customs seize hydroponic marijuana worth ₹1.65 cr from Air India flight at Surat airport

Officials of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs at Surat International Airport have seized over 1.65 kilograms of suspected hydroponic marijuana from an Air India Express flight that arrived in the city on Saturday.

According to official, the seizure was made on March 14 during a routine rummaging operation of the aircraft operated by Air India Express Limited. The flight, bearing number IX-263, had arrived at Surat International Airport earlier that day.

During the inspection of the aircraft, officials recovered four vacuum-packed polythene packets hidden beneath passenger seats. The packets were found inside the pouch meant for placing safety jackets under seat numbers 12E and 12F.

Officials said three of the packets were wrapped in grey-coloured cello tape while one packet was wrapped in brown cello tape. The packets were unclaimed and were not linked to any passenger or crew member at the time of recovery.

The suspected contraband was subsequently tested using a field testing kit, which confirmed the presence of marijuana (cannabis). Customs officials said the substance is believed to be hydroponic ganja, a high-potency form of cannabis.

The total weight of the seized substance was measured at 1,656.07 grams (gross), worth ₹1.65 crore of market value.

Customs authorities have seized the contraband under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Officials said further investigation is under way to identify the person responsible for concealing the narcotics inside the aircraft.