Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru have made a major drug seizure, recovering 36 kg of hydroponic cannabis smuggled into the city from Bangkok. Two passengers have been taken into custody for the seizure, police said.
The operation took place at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) close to Devanahalli, where customs officials discovered the contraband during passenger checks. Based on the information available, the seized hydroponic cannabis is estimated to be worth about ₹12.57 crore.
The two passengers had arrived in Bengaluru from Bangkok. During the inspection, customs officials found the hydroponic cannabis in their possession. Once recovered, both were detained and subsequently arrested under NDPS Act provisions.
The seizure has once again highlighted the efforts of customs authorities to detect attempts to transport narcotic substances through international air routes.
36 Kg Cannabis Seized in Two Cases
According to the information released in relation to the operation, customs officials had earlier seized 15.3 kg of hydroponic cannabis in an earlier case. With the recent recovery of 36 kg, the authorities have intercepted a substantial amount of the suspected drug in two separate operations.
Hydroponic cannabis is grown in controlled cultivation methods instead of soil-based agriculture. Such cannabis is frequently associated with illegal drug trafficking networks, and officials closely monitor international routes for attempts to bring the substance into India.
Officials reportedly became suspicious during routine checks of passengers who arrived from Bangkok. The inspection led them to recover the contraband.
Two Passengers Arrested Under NDPS Act
The two accused individuals have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, and customs officials are questioning them as part of the ongoing investigation.
The investigators would look at how the consignment was sourced, who was supposed to receive it in Bengaluru, and whether the passengers were acting independently or were part of a larger trafficking network.
Authorities might also look for travel records, communication details, and other evidence that would explain the larger circumstances of the alleged smuggling attempt.
The amount of seized material was also estimated to be very high. Customs officials are still investigating the role of the accused and whether there are other people connected to the alleged trafficking activities.
Bengaluru Airport Under Close Watch
Kempegowda International Airport is one of India’s major international airports and serves international travelers from many countries. The latest seizure is yet another example of passenger screening and customs checks to detect prohibited substances.
The recovery comes after an earlier seizure of 15.3 kg of hydroponic cannabis, according to the information available. The authorities are to keep close watch on international arrivals as they try to prevent narcotics from passing through the airport.
The investigation into the latest seizure is still in progress. Additional information about the accused, the flight involved, and the suspected destination of the consignment will be provided further as questioning is carried out and the legal proceedings proceed.
The customs department has now taken the contraband and has also launched legal action against the two passengers under the NDPS Act. Now the case will be handled through the relevant legal process, while investigators work to establish the complete chain behind the alleged smuggling attempt.
Bengaluru’s seizure is another landmark action by airport authorities against suspected international narcotics trafficking. The recovery of 36 kg of hydroponic cannabis (valued at around ₹12.57 crore) is a reminder of the scale of the alleged smuggling attempt and the tight control of international passenger movements at Kempegowda International Airport.
