Kochi: Customs Air Intelligence officials arrested two men after seizing 4.3 kilograms of hybrid ganja, valued at more than ₹4 crore, at Kochi International Airport in the early hours of Saturday.
The accused, identified as Shanavas and Abdul Nazar, both residents of Kozhikode, had arrived at the airport around 1.30 am on a flight from Phuket, Thailand. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, customs officials intercepted the duo during baggage checks.
A detailed search led to the recovery of the contraband, which had been concealed in multiple packets inside their luggage. Following preliminary questioning, both men were taken into custody and later formally arrested.
Customs officials said the two are suspected to be couriers linked to an organised drug trafficking network. Investigators are now working to identify the handlers and intended recipients of the seized narcotics.
The arrested individuals will be produced before a court for remand proceedings, officials added, while further investigation into the international drug smuggling racket is underway.
