Ganja worth over Rs 10 crore seized at IGI Airport, two arrested

Two Indian passengers were arrested at Indira Gandhi International Airport after Customs officials seized ganja worth over Rs 10 crore from their baggage, officials said on Monday.

The seizure was made on February 19 when the two passengers arrived from Bangkok , indicating an international narcotics supply route. Acting on spot profiling, Customs officers intercepted the duo at the Green Channel of Terminal-3 and diverted them for X-ray screening and detailed examination of their luggage.

During the search of a black trolley bag, officials recovered ten polythene pouches containing a green-coloured narcotic substance suspected to be ganja or marijuana. Subsequent testing confirmed the substance to be ganja, weighing a total of 10.724 kg.

The international market value of the seized contraband has been estimated at Rs 10.724 crore, making it a significant drug haul. Officials said the quantity falls under the “commercial quantity” category, suggesting organised trafficking rather than personal use.

A case has been registered against the accused under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, for illegal import, possession and smuggling of narcotic drugs. Offences involving commercial quantities under the Act attract stringent punishment, including rigorous imprisonment that may extend up to 20 years, along with heavy fines.

Investigating agencies are now probing the forward and backward linkages of the accused to identify handlers abroad and intended recipients in India, officials added.