With gold smuggling on the decline following the Union government’s decision to slash import duty from 15% to 6%, Kerala is now witnessing a worrying surge in the trafficking of a different contraband—hybrid ganja.
Official data reveals that while no seizures were reported in 2022-23, airports across the state confiscated 89.11 kg of hybrid ganja in 2024-25. Alarmingly, this figure has already climbed to 129.68 kg in the first seven months of the current year.
“Gold smuggling has reduced, but the bigger threat for Kerala today is drug smuggling. The state, which was not previously infamous for drug use, is fast turning into a hub for the consumption and trade of hybrid ganja,” said Shaik Khader Rahman, Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central GST (Kerala & Lakshadweep).
Hybrid or hydroponic ganja is cannabis cultivated in controlled laboratory conditions. With a narcotic content exceeding 40%, it is significantly more potent than regular weed. Most consignments reaching Kerala are traced back to Thailand, with seizures being reported almost every week.
Authorities caution that the seizures may represent just a fraction of the actual volume trafficked into the state. “The value of one kilogram of hydroponic ganja in the international market is nearly ₹1 crore. Based on available data, the actual inflow could be much higher,” Rahman added.
Other major airports, including Mumbai, have also recorded a rise in similar smuggling attempts. Enforcement agencies have intensified scrutiny of flights originating from Thailand, but smugglers are reportedly adapting their methods. “In some instances, traffickers have started routing their trips through Dubai to bypass checks,” officials revealed.
The escalating trend has sparked concerns that Kerala could soon replace other regions as a prime hub for high-grade narcotics trafficking in India.
