Hydroponic weed, e-cigarettes seized at Amritsar airport

In two separate incidents, the enforcement agencies at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (SGRDJI) Airport, Amritsar, intercepted smuggled goods, including hydroponic weed and electronic cigarettes, here on Tuesday.

In the first case, acting on specific intelligence provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Amritsar, a joint team of the NCB and Customs officials intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok by a Thai Airlines flight (SL214), which landed at approximately 11.12 pm. While checking, the officials recovered 6.36 kg of a green substance, identified as hydroponic weed (ganja), a high-grade narcotic. The seized substance was confiscated and the passenger was taken into custody by the NCB for further investigation. The estimated market value of the seized drugs is yet to be determined.

In a separate but similarly timed operation, Customs officials, acting on a tip-off, intercepted another passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur via a Malaysian Airlines flight (MH118), which landed at around 10.30 pm the same night at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International airport.

A total of 603 units of Elf Bar Raya d1 electronic cigarettes, valued at approximately Rs 6.48 lakh, were found concealed in the passenger’s baggage. The goods were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, and further investigation is underway.

Authorities have highlighted the importance of timely intelligence and coordination in preventing illegal smuggling activities, especially through international transit routes.