In a major operation led by Shri S.K. Rahman, Chief Commissioner of the Thiruvananthapuram Zone, officers of Customs (Preventive) Cochin seized approximately 5.5 kilograms of hybrid ganja, also known as hydroponic weed, at Kochi International Airport.
Based on specific intelligence, officers from the Headquarters Preventive Unit (HPU) of Customs (Preventive) Cochin intercepted a passenger bound for Ras-Al Khaimah, U.A.E. via Flight 6E 1493 at the airport’s departure hall. Upon detailed examination of the passenger’s trolley bag, officials uncovered around 5,500 grams of high-grade hydroponic cannabis concealed inside food packets. The contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 5.5 crore in the international market.
The passenger has been placed under arrest, and further investigation is underway.
In a noteworthy shift from past trends, officials highlighted that while hydroponic weed is usually smuggled into India — predominantly from Thailand — this incident involved an attempt to export the narcotic from India to the United Arab Emirates. Authorities are now probing deeper into the networks involved in this unusual trafficking route.
Customs officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining vigilance and ensuring that Kochi Airport remains a hostile environment for any form of narcotics trafficking.
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