Was a Hybrid Marijuana Cache Seized at Ahmedabad Airport?
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Synopsis
In a major breakthrough, Ahmedabad customs officials seized hybrid marijuana worth Rs 12.50 crore at the airport, arresting four suspects linked to an international drug trafficking ring. This incident highlights ongoing issues with drug smuggling via air routes and the authorities' commitment to combating these illicit activities.
Key Takeaways
- Significant seizure: Rs 12.50 crore worth of hybrid marijuana was confiscated.
- Arrests made: Four individuals were detained and arrested.
- International link: The operation is believed to be connected to international drug trafficking.
- Growing demand: Investigators are looking into the intended distribution in major Indian cities.
- Enhanced surveillance: Authorities have increased measures to combat drug smuggling at the airport.
In a significant operation on January 25, officials at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport confiscated hybrid marijuana valued at approximately Rs 12.50 crore. Four individuals were apprehended, indicating a suspected international drug trafficking scheme utilizing air routes to smuggle illegal substances into India.
The action followed actionable intelligence received by Customs and police regarding potential narcotics smuggling from Southeast Asia.
Upon receiving the tip-off, authorities conducted thorough screenings of passengers arriving from Bangkok.
During these checks, irregular items were discovered in the luggage of four travelers, prompting a more in-depth examination.
According to a senior Customs official, "Upon inspection, a substantial amount of illicit high-grade hybrid marijuana was found. The drugs were hidden in plastic pouches, with an estimated international market value of around Rs 12.50 crore."
Hybrid marijuana is recognized for being significantly more potent and costly than traditional cannabis and is illegal under Indian legislation.
All four detainees have been held at the airport and subsequently arrested.
Preliminary questioning revealed that one suspect is from Vadodara, while the other three hail from Punjab.
Investigators are currently looking into the reasons behind bringing this shipment to Gujarat and are also working to identify additional participants in the distribution network.
A police officer stated, "Initial inquiries suggest that the drugs were meant for distribution in major cities across India, where there's a rising demand for such substances. We are reviewing travel records, financial transactions, and potential international connections to uncover the broader network."
A case has been filed under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The confiscated drugs are undergoing forensic examination, and further inquiries are in progress.
Officials have also begun coordinating with central agencies to assess whether the detainees are linked to international drug syndicates.
This latest interception is part of a series of recent drug seizures at Ahmedabad airport.
Earlier this month, a passenger arriving from Bangkok was arrested after customs officials seized hydroponic cannabis worth approximately Rs 8 crore from his luggage during standard checks.
In another instance, authorities seized 3.9 kg of hydroponic marijuana from a passenger arriving from Bangkok, leading to an arrest under the NDPS Act.
Enhanced surveillance measures and intelligence-driven operations have been implemented at the airport to combat the ongoing attempts by traffickers to misuse international flights for drug smuggling.
Point of View
I stand with our commitment to reporting on critical issues such as drug trafficking. The recent seizure at Ahmedabad Airport is a stark reminder of the persistent challenges we face in curbing illegal narcotics. It's vital that we continue to shed light on such incidents, ensuring that the public remains informed and aware of the dangers posed by these criminal activities.
NationPress
25/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized at Ahmedabad Airport?
Customs officials seized hybrid marijuana valued at approximately Rs 12.50 crore.
How many people were arrested?
Four passengers were arrested in connection with the drug seizure.
What is hybrid marijuana?
Hybrid marijuana is a type of cannabis known for its high potency and is illegal under Indian law.
Where did the marijuana originate?
The marijuana was reportedly smuggled from Bangkok, Southeast Asia.
What actions are being taken against the suspects?
The suspects are currently under investigation, and a case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
