Chennai Airport News: Hydroponic Ganja Worth Rs 1.2 Crore Seized From Passenger
Chennai Airport News
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Chennai Customs has seized 3.424 kg of hydroponically cultivated ganja, estimated to be worth around Rs 1.20 crore in the illegal market. The seizure was made from a woman who arrived at Chennai International Airport from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Chennai Customs officials, the passenger was intercepted on September 26 based on passenger profiling. She was reportedly trying to leave the airport through the Green Channel without declaring the contents of her baggage.
Customs officials then carried out a detailed examination of her checked-in luggage. During the inspection, they found four transparent airtight packets containing dried greenish-brown plant material.
The packets were allegedly hidden inside specially made false bottoms of the baggage. The substance was suspected to be high-grade hydroponic cannabis. Officials conducted a test using a narcotic drug detection kit, and the substance tested positive for ganja or marijuana.
The seized material was taken into custody under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Hydroponic cannabis is cultivated using controlled growing methods rather than traditional soil-based farming. Such cannabis can have a higher concentration of certain compounds and is often sold at high prices in illegal markets.
The seizure highlights the role of customs officials in checking passengers arriving from international destinations. Passenger profiling and baggage inspections are among the measures used by authorities to detect undeclared or prohibited items.
The woman was intercepted before she could leave the airport, allowing officials to recover the suspected contraband from her baggage. The exact source of the substance and its intended destination are yet to be established.
Chennai Customs has started a further investigation into the case. Officials are expected to examine the passenger’s travel details and other available evidence to determine how the suspected ganja was obtained and whether other people were involved.
Further action will be taken under the applicable law as the investigation progresses.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
