Delhi airport customs seize ₹34.9 crore hydroponic marijuana from Bangkok flight
Synopsis
Two passengers flying from Bangkok to Delhi were caught carrying nearly 35 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana worth ₹34.9 crore after Delhi Customs flagged them through APIS profiling — one of the largest drug hauls at Indira Gandhi International Airport in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Customs seized 34,935 grams of suspected hydroponic marijuana at Indira Gandhi International Airport on 8 May 2026 .
The contraband, worth approximately ₹34.9 crore , was recovered from two passengers arriving from Bangkok on flight TG-323 .
Officials found 31 vacuum-sealed packets after X-ray screening flagged suspicious images in the passengers' baggage.
Both passengers were arrested under Sections 20, 23, and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985 .
Investigation is ongoing to trace the source, intended recipients, and possible links to a larger drug trafficking network.
Delhi Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) seized 34,935 grams of suspected hydroponic marijuana on 8 May 2026 from two passengers who arrived from Bangkok on flight TG-323. The seizure, valued at approximately ₹34.9 crore in the illicit drug market, is among the most significant narcotics recoveries at the airport in recent times.
How the Seizure Unfolded
The two passengers were flagged through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling mechanism, which routinely screens travellers before they disembark. Customs officers intercepted them after they crossed the Green Channel — the exit lane designated for passengers with nothing to declare — at the airport.
Their baggage was put through X-ray screening, during which officials noticed suspicious images. A detailed physical examination of the luggage revealed 31 vacuum-sealed packets containing a substance that prima facie appeared to be hydroponic weed, commonly referred to as ganja or marijuana.
What Delhi Customs Said
In an official statement, Delhi Customs confirmed the interception, stating:
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized at Delhi airport from Bangkok passengers?
Delhi Customs seized 34,935 grams of suspected hydroponic marijuana, packed in 31 vacuum-sealed packets, from two passengers who arrived from Bangkok on flight TG-323 on 8 May 2026. The contraband is valued at approximately ₹34.9 crore in the illicit drug market.
How did customs officials detect the drugs?
The passengers were flagged through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling before arrival. After they crossed the Green Channel, Customs officers intercepted them and subjected their baggage to X-ray screening, which revealed suspicious images leading to the discovery of the drugs.
What charges have been filed against the arrested passengers?
Both passengers have been arrested under Sections 20, 23, and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which relate to violations concerning cannabis, import of narcotics, and abetment or conspiracy in drug offences.
What is hydroponic marijuana and why is it significant?
Hydroponic marijuana is cannabis grown without soil using nutrient-rich water systems, typically yielding higher potency than conventionally grown variants. Its higher street value makes it a preferred commodity for international drug trafficking networks.
Is an investigation underway into the drug trafficking network?
Yes, Customs officials have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the contraband, its intended recipients in India, and whether the two arrested individuals are linked to a larger drug trafficking operation.
