A major drug seizure has been reported at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, where customs officials seized 15 kilograms of hydroponic ganja from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The seized narcotic has an estimated street value of about ₹5.25 crore, authorities said.
The passenger has been identified as Suraj Suryavanshi, who was intercepted by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Terminal 2 (T2) of the Bengaluru airport after he arrived from Bangkok.
According to the information released regarding the seizure, Suryavanshi arrived in Bengaluru on Thai Airways flight TG 325 at 11:55 pm on September 10, 2026. After screening and further inspections, Customs officials found the high-grade narcotic substance in his baggage.
The recovery of 15 kilograms of hydroponic ganja is a significant seizure both in terms of quantity and value. Hydroponic cannabis is grown in an organized manner and is often associated with much higher potency and much higher prices than conventional cannabis. The street value of the seized material was estimated as ₹5.25 crore.
The passenger was taken into custody, and a case was registered under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
After completing preliminary procedures, the accused was brought before the Judicial Magistrate as per the authorities' information.
The seizure again highlights the importance of airport intelligence and Customs screening in preventing the movement of prohibited narcotic substances through international entry points. The Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru handles a large volume of international passenger traffic, so intelligence-led checks are a key component of the effort to detect possible smuggling attempts.
Air Intelligence Unit and Customs authorities routinely conduct targeted inspections based on passenger profiling, intelligence inputs and other indicators. When suspicious material is detected, baggage can be thoroughly examined, and the contents seized for further investigation.
The alleged concealment of the narcotic in baggage also forms a key part of the investigation. The passenger’s journey will be investigated, as well as the source of the substance, its intended destination, and whether other people or networks were involved.
The investigation will also focus on the larger supply chain for the alleged smuggling attempt and how the passenger traveled there and what connections might emerge as investigators conduct further questioning and examination of evidence.
Under the NDPS Act, the offence of possession of prohibited narcotic substances can carry severe criminal consequences depending on the substance, quantity and particular nature of the offence. However, registration of a case and arrest do not by themselves prove guilt, which must ultimately be determined through the legal process.
The seizure of ₹5.25 crore of hydroponic ganja at Bengaluru airport is therefore being seen as a serious enforcement action. Customs officials will now investigate how exactly the alleged international trafficking attempt happened and whether further action is required.
