Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs officials on Tuesday seized 11 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed valued at nearly Rs 4 crore after intercepting two passengers, who arrived at Biju Patnaik International Airport from Bangkok.
According to officials, the contraband was found concealed in candy/sweet packets inside luggage bags of the duo, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on IndiGo flight 6E-1066 from Bangkok at around 5:30 am, during scanning. Both individuals, identified as natives of Tamil Nadu, have been detained and being interrogated.
Hydroponic marijuana is known for its higher potency due to soil-less cultivation techniques using nutrient-rich solutions. Further investigation is underway to uncover the full smuggling network, including handlers in Bangkok and potential recipients in India.
This latest seizure has once again highlighted the emerging trend of Bhubaneswar airport being used as a transit hub for drug trafficking. In recent months, DRI and customs teams have foiled multiple attempts, including:
>> Around 5.5 kg of hydroponic marijuana valued at around Rs 2 crore seized from two persons from Tamil Nadu on March 24.
>> Around 8 kg of marijuana worth Rs 7.5 crore seized in early January 2026 from a Mumbaikar on a Bangkok flight.
>> 3.93 kg valued at Rs 3.93 crore recovered ahead of New Year’s Eve 2025, hidden in chocolate packets and false bottoms of luggage.
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