The Cochin Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) under the leadership of Chief Commissioner S. K. Rahman seized 4.1 kilograms of hybrid ganja valued at approximately Rs. 4 crore, marking yet another major success in its sustained crackdown on narcotics smuggling.
According to officials of the Thiruvananthapuram Zone, Cochin Customs Commissionerate, the seizure took place on Tuesday when a passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Airlines flight MH 0108 was intercepted based on profiling by officers of AIU C Batch. The individual, identified as Seby Shaju, a native of Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur district, was stopped at the exit, and a detailed examination of his check-in baggage led to the recovery of the contraband.
The recovered 4.1 kg of hybrid ganja, valued at nearly ₹4 crore in the illicit market, was concealed in his belongings. Initial questioning revealed that the passenger is a habitual offender with several criminal cases already pending against him, including those under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA).
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Chief Commissioner S. K. Rahman, Commissioner Dr. T. Tiju, Joint Commissioner Shyam Lal, and Deputy Commissioner (AIU) Roy Varghese, with the interception and seizure executed by Assistant Commissioner Paul P. George and his team.
Customs authorities noted that this case further reinforces the recent trend of hybrid ganja smuggling attempts through CIAL. In the past year alone, the Cochin Customs AIU has seized 101 kilograms of ganja in 20 separate cases, making it one of the most active enforcement units in the country.
Further investigation into the latest case is in progress, with assistance from the Commissionerate of Customs Preventive, Cochin, to trace the wider smuggling network.
