Cannabis – Bengaluru Airport Seizes 18.6 Kg Smuggled From Bangkok
Cannabis – Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru have confiscated 18.6 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis with an estimated market value of Rs 6.5 crore. The seizure was made in two separate incidents involving passengers who had arrived from Bangkok, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Two Arrested After Luggage Inspection
According to officials, the passengers came under scrutiny during routine profiling and surveillance procedures at the airport. Suspecting irregularities, customs officers conducted detailed checks of their checked-in baggage. During the examination, they uncovered packets of hydroponic cannabis carefully concealed inside the luggage.
The contraband had allegedly been packed in a manner intended to avoid detection during standard security screening. Both individuals were taken into custody soon after the discovery, and formal procedures were initiated.
Smuggling Attempt Linked to Bangkok Route
Preliminary findings indicate that the narcotics were transported from Bangkok to Bengaluru. Investigators believe the accused attempted to exploit international travel routes to move the banned substance into India. Hydroponic cannabis, which is cultivated using controlled water-based methods, is known to command a high price in the illegal market due to its potency and quality.
Authorities registered cases against the accused under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine whether the individuals were acting independently or as part of a larger drug trafficking network.
Earlier Cocaine Seizure at Bengaluru Airport
The latest action comes days after another significant drug haul at the same airport. On February 19, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) intercepted 4.776 kilograms of cocaine from a Brazilian national who had travelled to Bengaluru from Sao Paulo via Doha. The seized cocaine was valued at approximately Rs 23.88 crore in the illicit market.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the NCB described the operation as a major success in its ongoing efforts to curb international narcotics smuggling through Indian airports.
Concealed Compartments Used in Cocaine Case
Officials involved in the February operation revealed that the cocaine had been hidden inside specially modified handbags placed within the passenger’s checked-in baggage. The bags reportedly contained concealed compartments lined with fabric infused with cocaine, a method investigators say is designed to bypass scanning systems and routine checks.
After the narcotics were discovered, the Brazilian national was arrested, and further legal action was initiated under the NDPS Act. Investigators are continuing to examine the source and intended distribution channel of the seized cocaine.
Increased Vigilance at International Gateways
Law enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring at major international airports, including Bengaluru, in response to repeated attempts to smuggle narcotics into the country. Officials say that coordinated intelligence gathering and advanced screening technologies have played a key role in recent interceptions.
Customs authorities and the NCB have reiterated their commitment to strengthening surveillance and preventing the misuse of international travel routes for illegal drug trade. They have also urged passengers to remain aware of strict drug laws in India, noting that trafficking and possession of banned substances carry severe legal consequences.
With investigations continuing in both cases, officials are working to trace potential links to broader trafficking networks operating across borders.