₹8.9 Crore Hydroponic Weed Seized at Hyderabad Airport, Two Arrested

A major international drug smuggling attempt was foiled at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport , highlighting the growing threat of high-value narcotics entering India through air routes. Acting on specific intelligence , officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Hyderabad Customs Air Intelligence Unit intercepted two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok on March 29 . A thorough baggage inspection led to the recovery of 25.45 kg of hydroponic weed worth ₹8.9 crore , concealed in multiple packets, indicating a well-organised smuggling network .

The seized substance was confirmed to be hydroponic cannabis , a high-potency variant of marijuana cultivated using advanced indoor techniques. Unlike traditional cannabis, it is grown in controlled environments using nutrient-rich water, resulting in significantly higher THC levels and making it more addictive and expensive in illegal markets. Its compact packaging and premium value have made it a preferred choice for traffickers targeting urban consumers .

Authorities arrested the accused under the NDPS Act, 1985 , which prescribes strict punishment for offences involving commercial quantities of narcotics. Investigators are now examining the case for international supply chains , financial links, and local distribution networks, suspecting the involvement of transnational drug syndicates .

This case reflects a broader trend, as enforcement agencies across India have reported a sharp rise in hydroponic weed smuggling, particularly via Thailand routes like Bangkok . Smugglers often use methods such as vacuum-sealed packaging, hidden compartments, and courier networks to evade detection, pointing to increasingly sophisticated trafficking operations . The Hyderabad seizure underscores how India is becoming a key target for high-value narcotics trade , posing a serious challenge to law enforcement agencies.