Ganja worth Rs 8.77 crore seized at airport, 2 held
Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have arrested two Indian passengers after seizing 8.77 kg of suspected ganja/marijuana with an estimated international market value of Rs 8.77 crore, officials said on Saturday.
The seizure was made by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) during routine profiling of passengers arriving at Terminal-3 from Bangkok. The two men had arrived on Thai Airways flight TG-315 on January 14 and were intercepted while crossing the Green Channel.
Officials said the passengers’ baggage was subjected to X-ray screening and a detailed examination, during which nine polythene pouches containing a green-coloured narcotic substance were recovered from a dark blue trolley bag. The total weight of the seized contraband was 8,771.5 grams.
A diagnostic field test conducted at the spot indicated the presence of ganja/marijuana, customs officials said.
Following the recovery, a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Officials said the accused violated Section 8 of the Act, attracting penal provisions under Sections 20, 23 and 29.
Both passengers were arrested on January 14 under Section 43(B) of the NDPS Act, while the suspected narcotic substance and related packaging material were seized under Section 43(A).
Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify other individuals involved in the alleged smuggling racket, officials added.
