Marijuana worth Rs 6.5 cr seized at airport, 2 nabbed

Customs officers seized more than 6.5 kg of marijuana worth around Rs 6.5 crore from two passengers at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport here, officials said on Saturday.

Based on spot profiling, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted the duo, both Indian nationals who arrived from Bangkok by a Thai Airways flight TG-323, at Terminal 3.

Officials diverted them at the green channel for baggage screening. During inspection, 13 black and transparent colour polythene packets hidden inside blue and maroon trolley bags were recovered. The packets contained a green colour substance. After diagnostic test, it was confirmed to be marijuana weighing 6,554 grams (net weight).

The authorities said the accused tried to smuggle the contraband in violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The duo were arrested on September 28 and the narcotics seized.

Customs officials said further investigation was on to trace the larger network behind the smuggling racket.