New Delhi: Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi have arrested two Indian women arriving from Bangkok in separate suspected drug-smuggling cases and seized nearly 8 kg of suspected marijuana worth approximately Rs 4.79 crore.
The seizures were made at Terminal 3 on October 16 and 18 after the passengers were intercepted at the Green Channel based on passenger profiling. Baggage screening and subsequent searches led to the recovery of suspected narcotic substances.
According to officials, the combined seizures amounted to 7.9145 kg of suspected marijuana, believed to be hydroponic cannabis. Both cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and further investigations are underway.
First Seizure: Nearly 3 Kg Of Suspected Marijuana Recovered
In the first case, a woman arriving from Bangkok on October 16 was intercepted by Customs officers at the airport.
An X-ray screening followed by a physical search of her baggage led to the recovery of two polythene pouches containing a green substance weighing 2,996 grams.
The substance tested prima facie positive for ganja or marijuana, officials said. It was suspected to be hydroponic marijuana, with an estimated value of approximately Rs 2.995 crore.
The suspected narcotic substance was seized as part of the investigation into the alleged smuggling attempt.
Second Case: Over 4.9 Kg Found In Trolley Bag
In the second case, another Indian woman arriving from Bangkok on October 18 was intercepted at the Green Channel following passenger profiling.
A search of her trolley bag led to the recovery of five polythene pouches containing 4,918.5 grams of a green substance. The material tested prima facie positive for hydroponic marijuana, according to officials.
The seized substance was valued at approximately Rs 1.8 crore. The woman was arrested on October 19 under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Together, the two cases involved suspected marijuana worth around Rs 4.795 crore, according to the estimated values provided by Customs officials.
Which NDPS Act Sections Have Been Invoked?
Officials said the suspected narcotics were seized under Section 43(a) of the NDPS Act, while the arrests were made under Section 43(b).
Cases have also been registered under Sections 8, 20, 23 and 29 of the Act. These provisions cover various offences and restrictions relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including prohibited activities involving cannabis, certain cross-border drug offences and criminal conspiracy.
The allegations against both passengers remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Investigation Underway At IGI Airport
Customs officials are continuing investigations into both seizures to establish the circumstances of the alleged smuggling attempts and determine whether other individuals or networks were involved.
The cases highlight the role of passenger profiling, baggage screening and physical searches in detecting suspected narcotics at international arrival terminals.
The suspected substances have been seized, and further details are awaited as the investigations progress.
Keywords: Delhi airport drug seizure, IGI Airport Customs, hydroponic marijuana seizure, Bangkok passengers arrested, 7.9 kg marijuana, Rs 4.79 crore drugs, NDPS Act, Delhi Customs news, drug smuggling India
Tags: Delhi, IGI Airport, Customs, Drug Seizure, Hydroponic Marijuana, NDPS Act, Crime News
