Air India co-pilot sent back from US after alleged marijuana possession

An Air India co-pilot was reportedly deported from the United States after he was allegedly found carrying marijuana in his baggage on arrival in San Francisco.

As per reports, the co-pilot was travelling as operating crew in the passenger cabin on a Delhi–San Francisco flight on April 14 and was scheduled to operate the return service, they said.

US authorities found the substance in his bag during checks upon arrival and deemed him inadmissible under local laws. He was not permitted to leave the airport and was put on the next available flight back to India.

The airline informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the incident. The co-pilot was on his way back to Delhi on Thursday, sources added.

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson reportedly said, “One of our crew members travelling from Delhi to San Francisco on April 14, for positioning to operate a subsequent flight, was found to be inadmissible as per local laws and has been sent back to India.”

The airline said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of the law and that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with company rules.

Reports citing sources clarified that there was no indication the pilot had consumed marijuana, but it was allegedly found in his possession. Laws regarding the use of marijuana vary across countries, with some permitting its medicinal use.