Did Customs Officials Just Seize Hydroponic Cannabis Worth Rs 7 Crore at Coimbatore Airport?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, customs officials at Coimbatore International Airport have seized hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 7.2 crore. This seizure highlights the ongoing battle against drug smuggling in India, particularly through smaller airports. Two individuals have been arrested, raising questions about connections to larger smuggling networks.
Key Takeaways
- Hydroponic cannabis valued at Rs 7.2 crore seized.
- Two suspects arrested under NDPS Act.
- Increased scrutiny of passengers from Singapore.
- Emphasis on collaboration between customs and intelligence agencies.
- Ongoing investigations into larger smuggling networks.
Chennai, Aug 12 (NationPress) Customs officials have successfully intercepted hydroponic cannabis valued at Rs 7.2 crore at the Coimbatore International Airport.
In two distinct seizures late Monday night, the Coimbatore Air Intelligence Unit and Air Customs officials apprehended two passengers arriving from Singapore.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding the smuggling of high-grade narcotics into the country, customs officials closely monitored passengers disembarking at Coimbatore International Airport.
During a meticulous baggage inspection, officials identified two individuals - Bhagatman Mujeeb and Sukhail Ubaydullah, both from Kottayam, Kerala.
A thorough examination of their luggage revealed a total of 6.713 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis, a potent strain of marijuana grown using innovative water-based methods. The estimated market value of the seized drugs is approximately Rs 7 crore.
Both suspects have been taken into custody and charged under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and were subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
In a separate incident involving the same flight, customs officials apprehended Tamilarasi Jayamanickam and Pandithurai Subbaiah, both from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu.
This duo was found attempting to smuggle high-end electronic goods valued at Rs 18.67 lakh without declaring them to customs as mandated by law. The undeclared items, potentially including premium gadgets and accessories, were seized, and the passengers have been charged with customs violations.
Following these consecutive detections, authorities have intensified checks on all passengers arriving from the Singapore flight.
Every piece of luggage underwent rigorous inspection with scanning equipment, and manual checks were performed where deemed necessary.
Officials indicated that the elevated scrutiny delayed the clearance process for some passengers, but all remaining travelers were eventually permitted to exit after completing the screening.
A senior customs officer at Coimbatore Airport remarked that these seizures underscore the increasing trend of smuggling both narcotics and valuable goods via smaller international airports in Tamil Nadu.
"We have enhanced our profiling and surveillance protocols to ensure that such attempts are identified and thwarted," the official stated, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration between intelligence agencies and customs units in these operations.
Authorities have initiated further investigations to trace the origins of the narcotics and ascertain if the incidents are connected to larger smuggling networks operating in the area.
Point of View
It is critical to acknowledge the growing trend of drug smuggling through smaller international airports in Tamil Nadu. The recent seizure of hydroponic cannabis at Coimbatore International Airport underscores the ongoing challenges faced by customs officials. This incident highlights the importance of enhanced surveillance and cooperation between agencies to combat this issue effectively.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized at Coimbatore Airport?
Customs officials seized hydroponic cannabis valued at Rs 7.2 crore.
Who were the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals were Bhagatman Mujeeb and Sukhail Ubaydullah from Kottayam, Kerala.
What laws were violated?
The individuals were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
What other items were seized?
Customs officials also seized high-end electronic goods worth Rs 18.67 lakh from other passengers.
What measures are being taken to prevent smuggling?
Authorities have intensified checks and enhanced profiling and surveillance measures at the airport.
