In a major breakthrough against drug smuggling, customs officials at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport intercepted a massive consignment of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 14 crore on Thursday. The high-tech cannabis, grown using advanced hydroponic methods, was cleverly concealed in everyday passenger luggage, highlighting the evolving tactics of narcotics traffickers.
The operation unfolded when vigilant customs officers, acting on specific intelligence, subjected several incoming flights from Southeast Asia to thorough scrutiny. During routine checks, they discovered over 100 kilograms of the premium-grade ganja packed in vacuum-sealed packets inside suitcases. The contraband’s street value is estimated at a staggering Rs 14 crore, making it one of the largest hauls at the airport this year.
Preliminary investigations reveal the drugs originated from a notorious cultivation hub in Southeast Asia, where hydroponic farms produce high-potency marijuana using soil-less techniques. These methods yield denser buds with elevated THC levels, fetching premium prices in India’s underground market. Authorities suspect an international syndicate with local distribution networks orchestrated the smuggling attempt.
Customs Commissioner Rajesh Kumar commended his team’s sharp instincts, stating, ‘Our zero-tolerance policy and advanced scanning technology are proving effective against sophisticated smugglers.’ The airport’s upgraded baggage screening systems, including AI-powered X-ray machines, played a crucial role in detecting the hidden packages.
Two passengers have been detained for questioning, and their travel documents are under verification. Forensic teams are analyzing the seized ganja for precise potency and origin markers. This seizure disrupts a major supply chain and sends a strong message to drug cartels eyeing Hyderabad as a transit hub.
As India intensifies its war on narcotics, such operations underscore the importance of international cooperation. The Narcotics Control Bureau has been alerted, promising a deeper probe into the syndicate’s operations across state borders. Travelers are reminded that stringent penalties await those attempting to smuggle contraband through major airports.