Delhi Airport Customs Seize 17.7 kg Hydroponic Weed, Two Passengers Under Investigation
Delhi Airport Customs News
Customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have seized a large quantity of suspected hydroponic weed in a major drug bust linked to international smuggling. The operation led to the recovery of 17.720 kg of the contraband and has placed two passengers under investigation for their alleged involvement in the network.
According to officials, the seizure was made after a passenger travelling from Bangkok to Delhi on May 12 was placed under discreet surveillance by customs officers. Based on intelligence inputs and profiling, the passenger was closely monitored upon arrival at the airport.
At the same time, another passenger arriving from Sharjah was also identified by authorities during routine checks at the airport’s green channel area. This passenger was reportedly carrying a bag without a proper baggage tag, which raised suspicion among customs officials.
During X-ray screening of the baggage, officers noticed unusual and suspicious images inside the luggage. This prompted them to conduct a detailed physical inspection of the bag. Upon opening and examining the contents, officials discovered a large quantity of hydroponic weed, also known as high-potency cannabis, carefully concealed along with packing materials.
In a further development, officials also recovered baggage tags during personal and detailed questioning of the passengers involved. According to the customs statement, one of the passengers admitted that he had been instructed to collect a bag booked in the name of the passenger arriving from Bangkok. This link between the two travellers has led authorities to believe that the case may involve an organised smuggling network.
The seized drugs, weighing 17.720 kg in total, were immediately confiscated under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials confirmed that both passengers are now under investigation, and further inquiries are underway to identify other individuals who may be part of the smuggling chain.
Customs officials stated that hydroponic weed is a highly potent form of cannabis cultivated using advanced farming techniques without soil. Due to its high value in illegal drug markets, it is often smuggled through international routes in carefully concealed packaging.
The operation at Delhi airport highlights the increasing use of Indian airports as transit and entry points for international drug trafficking attempts. Authorities have been using advanced profiling techniques, X-ray scanning, and intelligence inputs to detect suspicious movements of passengers and baggage.
Officials also said that surveillance at major international airports like Delhi has been strengthened in recent years to combat drug smuggling networks. Coordination between intelligence agencies and airport customs teams plays a key role in identifying high-risk passengers and preventing illegal substances from entering the country.
The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are working to trace the larger network behind the smuggling attempt. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of an international drug syndicate being involved in the case.
This seizure adds to a growing list of drug-related interceptions at Indian airports, where customs agencies continue to remain vigilant against new and increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.
