Customs seize Rs 12.9 crore ganja at Delhi airport, passenger arrested

The customs department on Wednesday announced a major narcotics interception at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, seizing suspected ganja valued at approximately Rs 12.91 crore and arresting a passenger in connection with the case.

Officials said the action was the result of profiling-based passenger screening after a man arriving from Bangkok on March 31 was flagged for carrying suspicious luggage. The passenger’s baggage was subjected to X-ray examination , which revealed anomalies that prompted a detailed physical search.

During the inspection, customs officers discovered 13 polythene bags containing a green-coloured substance suspected to be marijuana . Subsequent checks confirmed about 1.2 kg of the alleged contraband concealed within the baggage, officials said. The seized material, together with the packing material used to hide it, was confiscated. The accused was detained under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act , and further investigation has been launched.

Customs officials noted that this is part of a continuing pattern of drug smuggling attempts at Indian airports, particularly involving passengers arriving from Southeast Asia. In other recent cases, significant quantities of hydroponic cannabis and other drugs have been intercepted at major airports including Hyderabad and Lucknow, leading to multiple arrests under the NDPS Act as authorities intensify surveillance on international trafficking routes.

Authorities said the findings underscore the ongoing challenge of intercepting high-value consignments of narcotics concealed among legitimate passenger luggage, and customs agencies remain on alert to disrupt larger drug trafficking networks potentially operating via air routes from abroad.