Customs officials at Pune International Airport have seized 10.642 kg of hydroponic cannabis valued at Rs 3.72 crore from an Indian passenger who arrived from Bangkok, according to the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU). The passenger was arrested and a case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Source: Urban Acres

The seizure was made on November 4 after the passenger arrived in Pune on Air India Express flight IX-291 from Bangkok. AIU officials who reportedly found his movements suspicious searched his trolley bag.

Inside the luggage, officials found packets of noodles and nine silver packets labelled “Freeze Dry Monthong Durian”. On closer inspection, the packets allegedly concealed two layers of black plastic and vacuum-sealed pouches. The pouches contained yellowish-green dried flower buds with a strong odour, and a test with the Customs department's narcotics detection kit indicated the substance was hydroponic cannabis, the report said.

Source: Urban Acres

The Hindustan Times, in its November 6 report, also reported that Pune Customs seized 10.6 kg of hydroponic weed worth approximately Rs 3.72 crore from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok at Pune International Airport.

Source: Hindustan Times

The passenger was produced before a court, which ordered that he be kept in judicial custody until November 18. The reports did not identify him by name, and no details were given about the alleged supply network behind the consignment or its intended destination.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Customs Deputy Commissioner Dheeraj More. Further proceedings will take place under the NDPS Act. The allegations against the passenger are yet to be tested in court.