Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have apprehended three Sri Lankan passengers and seized a significant quantity of marijuana, valued at approximately ₹11.63 crore. The seizure occurred on April 29, following the passengers’ arrival from Pudong, China.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the trio, travelling on a flight from Pudong, China, were intercepted at the airport’s Green Channel. Based on passenger profiling, they were subjected to detailed examination, including X-ray screening of their baggage.
During the examination, customs officers discovered 12 polythene packets concealed within multiple trolley bags. These packets contained a green-coloured narcotic substance, identified as suspected ganja or marijuana.
The total net weight of the seized contraband was recorded at 11,635 grams. Officials have estimated its value in the illicit market to be around ₹11.635 crore. Preliminary field testing of the substance yielded positive results for ganja/marijuana, indicating its probable nature.
The arrested individuals were found to be in violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Consequently, they were formally arrested on April 30. The seized contraband, along with the packaging materials used to conceal it, has also been confiscated by the authorities.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by airport security agencies in combating drug smuggling attempts into the country. International airports remain key transit points for illicit substances, necessitating continuous vigilance and sophisticated profiling techniques to intercept such activities. The recovery underscores the financial scale of drug trafficking operations, with the seized marijuana representing a substantial sum in the black market.
The investigation into the source of the marijuana and the intended destination after clearing customs is expected to continue. Authorities are likely to delve into the travel history of the passengers and their potential links to international drug syndicates. This seizure is part of ongoing efforts by Indian customs and law enforcement agencies to curb the flow of narcotics and psychotropic substances into the country, safeguarding public health and security.
The use of profiling as an intelligence-led strategy has proven effective in identifying suspicious passengers who might otherwise pass through routine checks. The specific details leading to the profiling of these three Sri Lankan nationals have not been disclosed, but it typically involves factors such as travel patterns, behavioral indicators, and intelligence inputs.
The NDPS Act of 1985 provides a stringent legal framework for the control and regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. Penalties under this act can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, depending on the quantity and nature of the drugs involved. This case involves a significant quantity, placing it under the category of commercial quantity, which carries maximum penalties.
Further actions by the customs department will likely involve coordination with other law enforcement agencies to trace the broader network involved in the smuggling attempt. The recovery serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities at international entry points and the continuous efforts required to maintain border integrity against illegal trade.
The Chenab Times News Desk