The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials seized 5.291 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis valued at approximately Rs 1.85 crore at Biju Patnaik International Airport on Saturday. Four passengers arriving from Bangkok were detained for questioning.
Acting on specific intelligence, teams from the DRI’s Bhubaneswar Regional Unit, working with Customs, intercepted the passengers and examined their baggage. From three travellers, officers recovered six packets weighing 4.877 kg concealed in specially designed hidden compartments inside check-in luggage. The packets were extracted using hand tools.
The fourth passenger initially raised no immediate red flags. However, a personal search turned up a tin container labelled as dog food. Unable to give a satisfactory explanation, officials called in Rubel, a detector dog from the Indian Customs K-9 squad. After being exposed to a sample from the earlier seizure, Rubel indicated the tin. Officers opened it and recovered an additional 414 grams of the green-coloured substance.
A narcotic drug detection kit confirmed the material as cannabis (ganja/marijuana). The total recovery stood at 5.291 kg. The four passengers and the seized contraband were handed over to the Air Intelligence Unit of Bhubaneswar Customs for further legal action under the NDPS Act.
Hydroponic cannabis is grown in a controlled, soil-free environment and typically contains higher levels of THC than conventional varieties, commanding premium prices in the illicit market. Investigators believe the consignment was intended for distribution to other cities after clearing the airport. Interrogation of the detainees continues to map the source, network, and onward destinations.
This seizure forms part of a recurring pattern of hydroponic weed smuggling from Bangkok through Bhubaneswar and other Indian airports. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and intelligence-sharing to disrupt these routes. Officials described the operation as an important step in curbing cross-border narcotics trafficking.
