Massive Hydroponic Cannabis Haul: Rs 8.9 Crore Seized at Hyderabad Airport
Synopsis
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, officials at Hyderabad Airport seized hydroponic cannabis valued at Rs. 8.9 crore from two passengers arriving from Bangkok, revealing a concerning trend in international drug smuggling.
Key Takeaways
8.9 crore worth of hydroponic cannabis seized.
Weight of Seized Cannabis: 25.45 kilograms confiscated.
Legal Framework: Case registered under NDPS Act, 1985.
Ongoing Investigations: Authorities are probing international drug syndicate connections.
Related Arrests: Four suspects apprehended in a separate drug operation.
Hyderabad, March 31 (NationPress) - Officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport have confiscated hydroponic cannabis worth approximately Rs. 8.9 crore from two Indian travelers arriving from Bangkok.
The authorities seized 25.45 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis following intelligence reports that led to the detention of the passengers on Flight FD-118. During a search of their luggage, officials uncovered several packages containing a greenish, clumpy material. A subsequent analysis confirmed the substance was hydroponic cannabis, a potent form of marijuana.
The contraband was seized, and a case has been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985. Both individuals have been arrested.
This seizure is part of a broader initiative to enhance surveillance on international drug trafficking routes.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin, distribution network, and intended recipients of the illegal substance, with officials exploring potential connections to international drug syndicates.
In a related development, Cyberabad police dismantled a drug syndicate, leading to the apprehension of four suspects.
The KPHB Police conducted an operation near JNTU Metro Station, arresting four individuals linked to the illegal drug trade. These suspects were observed engaging in suspicious activities around a scooter. Upon investigation, authorities recovered narcotics, including 150 grams of Ganja, 4 grams of MDMA, and 9 LSD blot papers.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Bendi Sai Bhanu Prakash (27), Saripalli Anoop Kumar alias Pandu (27), Shobith Alenmani (25), and Ripunjay Jodha (29), all residing in Hyderabad.
During questioning, the main suspect disclosed they had been sourcing Ganja, MDMA, and LSD from Bengaluru via a contact named Abhishek, selling them in Hyderabad for profit. The drugs were shipped using courier services, with payments processed through digital platforms like PhonePe and Google Pay. Another associate, Anirudh, was also implicated in the distribution efforts.
Authorities are continuing their investigations to apprehend other individuals involved in the drug supply chain.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the severity of drug trafficking in our society. This incident not only highlights the effective measures taken by law enforcement but also raises alarm about the increasing trends in international drug smuggling. The authorities' swift action is commendable, signaling a strong commitment to public safety.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized at Hyderabad Airport?
Officials seized hydroponic cannabis worth approximately Rs. 8.9 crore from two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok.
How much hydroponic cannabis was confiscated?
A total of 25.45 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis was seized.
What legal actions were taken?
The authorities registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and both passengers were arrested.
What investigations are underway?
Investigators are working to uncover the source, network, and intended distribution of the seized cannabis, including ties to international drug syndicates.
Were there any related drug busts?
Yes, Cyberabad police also arrested four suspects in a separate drug racket, recovering various narcotics.
