In a major anti-smuggling operation during the night shift of April 11–12, 2026, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, seized 28.750 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (ganja) valued at approximately ₹29 crore, along with assorted medicines worth ₹33 lakh, from multiple passengers across different flights.
The operation, carried out by Customs officials using advanced passenger profiling and surveillance techniques, led to several interceptions and recoveries across four related cases.
In the first case, acting on APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) profiling, Customs officials intercepted two Indian male passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur on flight OD-205 dated April 11, 2026. The passengers were stopped while exiting through the green channel. Upon X-ray screening of their baggage, suspicious images were detected. A detailed examination led to the recovery of three packets of hydroponic weed weighing 3,276 grams (including packaging). The passengers and the seized contraband were subsequently handed over to the concerned shift for further legal action.
Building upon the interrogation of the first set of passengers, Customs authorities received inputs regarding two additional Indian passengers travelling from Kuala Lumpur on flight AI-2387, which arrived in the early hours of April 12, 2026. The suspects were discreetly tracked from the arrival gate and intercepted at the green channel. X-ray examination again revealed suspicious contents, and upon detailed inspection, six packets of hydroponic weed weighing 6,627 grams (including packaging) were recovered. These passengers were also taken into custody and handed over for further investigation.
In a separate incident, Customs officials conducted checks based on APIS profiling on passengers arriving by flight TG331 on April 12, 2026. During the operation, airline staff alerted the AIU about two unclaimed cabin baggage items left onboard the aircraft. When no passenger came forward to claim them, the bags were brought to the green channel for inspection. X-ray screening revealed suspicious contents, and further examination resulted in the recovery of 18,850 grams of suspected hydroponic weed (including packaging). The unclaimed baggage and recovered contraband were transferred for further action.
In another case, based on mobile surveillance, Customs officials intercepted two Cambodian nationals attempting to depart from IGI Airport on flight K6-761 on April 11, 2026. The passengers were taken to the AIU room for detailed search and questioning. Examination of their hand baggage and checked-in luggage led to the recovery of assorted medicines in commercial quantities, valued at approximately ₹33 lakh. The seized items and passengers were handed over for valuation and further investigation.
Customs authorities have initiated further proceedings under the relevant provisions of law. Officials stated that the use of hydroponic cultivation methods, often linked to high-potency cannabis, indicates a growing trend in sophisticated drug smuggling operations. Investigations are ongoing to trace the broader network and identify potential syndicates involved in these coordinated activities.
The operation underscores the increasing vigilance of Customs officials at IGI Airport and their continued efforts to combat transnational narcotics trafficking and illegal trade.
