Pune Airport News: Hashish Worth ₹1 Crore Seized From Cosmetic Jars
Pune Airport News
Customs officials at Pune International Airport have seized 1.243 kg of suspected hashish, valued at around ₹1 crore, from an Indian woman passenger arriving from Bangkok. The seizure was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Pune Customs in coordination with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Pune regional unit.
According to officials, the passenger arrived at Pune airport on an Air India Express flight, IX-241, from Bangkok. The passenger was intercepted after officials noticed suspicious behaviour during profiling and baggage screening.
Following the required procedures under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, officials conducted a detailed examination of her check-in baggage. During the inspection, they allegedly found the suspected narcotic substance hidden inside three commercial cosmetic jars.
The jars were apparently made to look like regular personal care products. Officials suspected that the method was being used to conceal the substance and avoid detection during airport checks.
The substance recovered from the containers had a waxy and semi-solid appearance and reportedly gave off a strong smell. Officials conducted a preliminary test using a Narcotic Drug Field Testing Kit. The test returned a positive result for cannabis.
The recovered material weighed 1.243 kg and was suspected to be cannabis extract, commonly known as hashish. Customs officials subsequently seized the substance under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
The operation highlights the role of baggage screening and passenger profiling in detecting suspected drug smuggling attempts at airports. Customs and intelligence agencies regularly examine suspicious baggage and passengers arriving on international flights.
The case involves suspected illegal transportation of a narcotic substance into India. Further investigation is expected to establish the source of the material, its intended destination and other details related to the alleged smuggling attempt.
The seizure was made at Pune airport after the passenger arrived from Bangkok, and the suspected hashish was recovered before it could be taken out of the airport. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case under the applicable provisions of the law.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
