The Customs Department at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, has arrested an Indian passenger after allegedly recovering nearly five kilograms of a green-coloured narcotic substance suspected to be ganja or marijuana from his baggage.
According to a press release issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Customs (Airport & General) on September 10, 2026, the seized substance weighed 4,969.5 grams and was provisionally valued at approximately ₹1.739 crore.
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The passenger arrived at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport on September 6, 2026, aboard Flight XJ-230 from Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok. Customs officers intercepted him on the basis of passenger profiling and diverted him at the Green Channel for an X-ray and examination of his baggage.
During the inspection, officers examined a black trolley bag bearing the marking “Paul William.” Five polythene packets containing a green-coloured substance were allegedly recovered from the bag.
The recovered material was subjected to a diagnostic test. According to Customs, the preliminary test indicated that the substance appeared to be ganja or marijuana. Its net weight, excluding the packaging material, was recorded as 4,969.5 grams.
Customs authorities alleged that the passenger’s conduct amounted to a violation of Section 8 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Section 8 prohibits, except for medical or scientific purposes and in the manner permitted by law, specified activities involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The authorities have alleged the commission of offences punishable under Sections 20, 23 and 29 of the NDPS Act. Section 20 deals with offences relating to the cannabis plant and cannabis, while Section 23 concerns the illegal import into, export from or transshipment of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Section 29 provides punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy relating to offences under the Act.
The passenger was placed under arrest on September 7, 2026, under Section 43(b) of the NDPS Act. The suspected narcotic substance, along with its packaging material, was seized under Section 43(a) of the legislation.
Customs officials stated that further investigation is underway. The investigation is expected to examine the source and intended recipient of the consignment, the passenger’s travel history and whether any other persons were involved in the alleged smuggling operation.
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