Authorities at Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, seized 11 kg of high-grade hydroponic marijuana from the luggage of two passengers arriving from Bangkok on Tuesday.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs Department jointly conducted the operation based on specific intelligence. Officials discovered the contraband hidden inside noodle packets. Tests confirmed the substance as premium hydroponic marijuana valued at nearly ₹5 crore.
The arrested individuals were identified as Dilip from Odisha and Irfan Khan from West Bengal. Both were detained for interrogation and later booked under the NDPS Act. Investigators are probing their links to international drug syndicates and West Bengal-based networks.
Officials revealed that Bhubaneswar Airport has increasingly become a transit point for narcotics smuggling. Since January 2025, authorities have intercepted marijuana consignments 12 times, including two major seizures of 11 kg each in the past three months. Previous cases involved passengers from Tamil Nadu and other states.
The latest seizure marks one of the largest in recent months, raising concerns about airport security and surveillance. Authorities assured that passenger screening and baggage checks will be further tightened.
Investigators suspect the involvement of an international cartel using Bhubaneswar as a gateway for smuggling drugs into India. The arrest of an Odia youth for the first time in such a case has intensified scrutiny of local links.
