The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has intercepted a major consignment of narcotics. Two Indian passengers were apprehended on Tuesday for attempting to smuggle over 7.7 kilograms of high-grade marijuana (Ganja) into the country.
The Operation
The seizure occurred on January 6, 2026, following a successful “spot profiling” operation by alert Customs officers at Terminal 3. The suspects had arrived from Hanoi, Vietnam, via flight VJ 971.
Upon arrival, the passengers’ behavior raised suspicions, leading officers to conduct a thorough X-ray examination of their luggage and a subsequent personal search.
The Discovery
During the inspection of a pink-colored trolley bag, officials discovered nine polythene pouches meticulously concealed within the lining. The pouches contained a green leafy substance which, upon field testing, was confirmed to be marijuana/ganja.
Legal Action and Arrests
The diagnostic tests conducted on-site prima facie established the substance as a prohibited narcotic under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to Customs officials, the passengers violated Section 8 of the NDPS Act, which prohibits the import and export of certain narcotic drugs. They have been charged under:
- Section 20: Punishment for contravention in relation to the cannabis plant and cannabis.
- Section 23: Punishment for illegal import/export of narcotic drugs.
- Section 29: Punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy.
The two individuals were formally placed under arrest at 11:00 AM on January 7, 2026, under Section 43(B) of the Act. The contraband, along with the packing material used for concealment, was seized under Section 43(A).
