Customs at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have foiled a drug smuggling attempt by finding 6.37kg of suspected hydroponic weed concealed in a passenger's luggage.
The seizure shows that Indian customs is stepping up to prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotics through international airports.
According to officials, the passenger arrived at Delhi airport on an international flight and was intercepted based on intelligence inputs and suspicious travel patterns. Customs officers identified packets of green leafy material which could be hydroponic cannabis, a premium-grade form of marijuana grown using water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil.
The seized substance has been sent for laboratory examination to confirm its exact composition. Legal proceedings are being initiated under the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigations are going on to identify the origin, intended destination and possible links to an international drug trafficking network.
Hydroponic weed is becoming more popular in illegal drug trade because of the higher THC concentration (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound that gives people cannabis intoxication.
Customs, IGI Airport Date: 12.07.2026
— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) July 13, 2026
Operation: AIU, IGI Airport, New Delhi
Seizure: 3.47 kg Hydroponic weed (Ganja)
The customs officers of IGI airport, New Delhi, have booked a case of smuggling of green colour NDPS substance suspected ganja/marijuana. Based on APIS… pic.twitter.com/5LVXg2Tfzb
Because of its potency and premium pricing, smugglers often attempt to transport hydroponic cannabis across borders through hidden compartments in baggage, courier parcels, or other sophisticated ways of transport.
With the recent seizure, customs teams at IGI Airport are on high alert with new screening technologies and passenger profiling, intelligence gathering and coordination to find drugs and other illegal goods.
The government has not disclosed the passenger's identity or nationality yet because of the investigation. Travel records, communication devices and financial transactions are being examined to determine whether the accused was acting independently or on behalf of a larger smuggling syndicate as well.
Drug trafficking continues to pose a serious challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In recent years, India has seen significant narcotics seizures of synthetic drugs, cocaine, heroin, cannabis and hydroponic weed.
Airports, seaports and international courier services remain key transit points exploited by organized criminal networks.
Customs officials have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities related to drug trafficking. The experts said enforcement and intelligence-led operations are essential to dismantle smuggling networks and protect public safety.
The seizure of more than six kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed at Delhi Airport is a textbook example of how to keep customs surveillance in place and the government's intention of getting rid of narcotics smuggling.
Further investigation is expected to reveal the source of the contraband and the individuals involved in the operation.
