New Delhi— Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have uncovered a major drug smuggling attempt, seizing marijuana valued at ₹11.63 crore from three Sri Lankan passengers arriving from China, authorities said on Tuesday.
The passengers had landed from Pudong on April 29 and were intercepted at the Green Channel based on profiling. Officials subjected their luggage to X-ray screening followed by a detailed examination, which led to the recovery of contraband.
According to an official statement, 12 polythene packets containing a green-coloured substance suspected to be ganja were found concealed inside multiple trolley bags. The total net weight of the seized narcotics was recorded at 11,635 grams, with an estimated illicit market value of ₹11.635 crore.
Field tests conducted on the spot indicated positive results for marijuana, establishing a prima facie case against the accused.
The three individuals were found to be in violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and were formally arrested on April 30. Officials also seized the contraband along with the packing material as part of the investigation.
Authorities have initiated further legal proceedings to probe the smuggling network and determine any wider links connected to the case.