Customs seize marijuana worth nearly 24 crores from two passengers returning from Thailand

Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi successfully intercepted a major narcotics smuggling attempt, seizing nearly 24 kilograms of marijuana. On February 22, two Indian passengers arriving from Krabi, Thailand, were intercepted at Terminal-3 following Flight 6E-1070. Based on suspicious profiling, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) diverted the duo toward the Green Channel for a more thorough investigation of their belongings.

A detailed X-ray screening and physical examination of their trolley bags led to the discovery of 14 vacuum-sealed polythene pouches. The officers found eight packets hidden within a grey and yellow trolley bag, while the remaining six were stashed inside a dark green and white bag. The contents, a green-colored leafy substance, were subjected to preliminary diagnostic testing, which confirmed the presence of high-quality Ganja, commonly known as Marijuana.

The total net weight of the seized narcotics was recorded at 23,936 grams. Given the purity and the illicit market demand, the estimated value of the haul is a staggering ₹23.936 crore. Authorities noted that the smugglers used sophisticated packing methods to mask the scent and appearance of the drugs. Still, the alert customs staff managed to foil the plan before the contraband could enter the city's illegal markets.

Both passengers were immediately taken into custody and formally arrested under the strict provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The seized contraband, along with the packing materials used for concealment, has been confiscated as evidence. Investigations are currently ongoing to identify the larger international syndicate responsible for coordinating this high-value shipment from Thailand to India.