The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a consignment of foreign-origin marijuana valued at approximately Rs 8 crore at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport.
The contraband was being transported via an Indigo flight originating from Bangkok, Thailand.
The DRI acted on intelligence inputs and detained a passenger from Gujarat who had arrived on the suspicious flight. Upon inspection of his luggage, officials discovered packets of premium-grade marijuana carefully concealed to avoid detection. The seized cannabis was reportedly intended for illegal distribution across several Indian states.
Customs officials confirmed that the apprehended individual was attempting to smuggle the narcotics into India under the guise of a routine international arrival. Further investigation is underway to determine the extent of the trafficking network.
This incident highlights the increasing vigilance of airport security and the growing concern around international drug trafficking routes targeting tier-2 Indian airports.
