Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi have apprehended a passenger arriving from Phuket, Thailand, with approximately 2.7 kilograms of suspected hydroponic cannabis. The illicit substance was discovered ingeniously concealed within packets of chocolates, according to official statements released on Sunday.
The Chenab Times has learned that the passenger, who arrived on August 2, was intercepted after crossing the Green Channel. Intelligence gathered through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling flagged the individual for further scrutiny.
During the routine X-ray screening of the passenger’s baggage, customs officers identified anomalous images, prompting a more thorough physical examination. This subsequent search led to the discovery of four vacuum-sealed packets containing a green substance, identified as suspected hydroponic weed, also commonly referred to as ganja or marijuana.
Officials reported that these packets, meticulously hidden inside commercially available chocolate packaging, had a gross weight of 2,759 grams, inclusive of the packing materials. Hydroponic weed is a high-potency variant of cannabis cultivated without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions, a method often associated with enhanced quality and potency.
The passenger was subsequently arrested under the provisions of Section 43(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This section deals with the punishment for contravention in relation to the possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The suspected contraband, along with the materials used for concealment and packaging, was formally seized under Section 43(a) of the same Act, which pertains to the seizure of such substances and articles.
The seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by airport authorities to combat the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances into the country. Customs officials at major international airports like Delhi play a crucial role in safeguarding national borders against the flow of illegal drugs. The sophisticated methods employed by traffickers, such as concealing contraband within everyday items like chocolate packets, necessitate continuous vigilance and the use of advanced screening technologies.
The NDPS Act of 1985 is the principal legislation governing drug control in India. It provides for the stringent punishment of drug trafficking and the illicit cultivation, manufacture, possession, sale, and interstate import/export of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The Act empowers various agencies, including customs and police, to take action against individuals involved in drug-related offenses.
Hydroponic cultivation of cannabis is gaining traction globally due to its controlled environment, which can yield higher concentrations of cannabinoids. However, its importation and possession without proper authorization remain illegal in India and are subject to severe penalties under the NDPS Act. The specific profiling by APIS, which analyzes passenger data to identify potential risks, is a key tool in enhancing security measures at airports.
The investigation into the source of the hydroponic weed and the intended destination within India is reportedly underway. Authorities are likely examining the passenger’s travel history and any potential connections to drug syndicates. Such interceptions are vital in disrupting the supply chain of illicit drugs and ensuring public safety.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
