The Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, seized 4,085 grams of green, moist plant material suspected to be Ganja/Marijuana from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The operation took place on December 6, 2025, following targeted profiling by officers at Terminal-3.
The passenger, who landed via Flight AI-2335, was intercepted at the Green Channel based on behavioural profiling and risk indicators. Customs officials diverted him to the X-ray examination area, where suspicious imagery led to a detailed baggage and personal search.
On inspection of the trolley bag, officers recovered nine polythene pouches containing moist green botanical material concealed within the luggage. The substance was weighed and confirmed to total 4,085 grams (net weight). A preliminary diagnostic narcotics test further indicated that the seized material was indeed Ganja/Marijuana.
Authorities estimate the international illicit market value of the consignment to be approximately ₹4.08 crore.
Following the recovery, Customs confirmed violations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger was found to be in contravention of Section 8 (prohibition of possession and transport), and liable to penal consequences under Sections 20, 23, and 29, which relate to production, trafficking, import/export, and conspiracy in narcotics offences.
The accused was arrested on December 7, 2025, under Section 43(b) of the NDPS Act, which empowers enforcement authorities to detain and arrest individuals found in possession of narcotic substances in customs-controlled areas. The seized narcotics, along with packaging material, were formally confiscated under Section 43(a).
This interception adds to the rising vigilance at IGI Airport, which has seen intensified enforcement against drug smuggling channels routed through Southeast Asian narcotics corridors. Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine whether the passenger was acting independently or as part of a larger trafficking syndicate.
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