Devanahalli, Oct 20: In a major operation at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIAB) near Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district, airport customs officials have seized hydroponic ganja (cannabis) worth several crore rupees that was being smuggled from abroad. Two passengers, who arrived on separate flights from Bangkok, have been detained and are currently under investigation.
During the inspection of luggage belonging to two passengers who arrived at KIAB from Bangkok, Thailand, on separate flights, authorities discovered a total of 27.6 kg of hydroponic ganja that had been illicitly concealed. The total value of the seized contraband is estimated to be between Rs.9.27 crore and Rs.9.67 crore. Specifically, 15.5 kg of hydroponic ganja, valued at Rs.5.43 crore, was recovered from the luggage of the first passenger arriving from Bangkok. Customs officials seized 12.1 kg of hydroponic ganja (cannabis), valued at Rs.4.24 crore, from a second passenger who arrived on a different flight. Both individuals, who were smuggling narcotics from abroad, were immediately taken into custody by Customs officials and are currently being interrogated. The Customs Department has registered a case under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act and has intensified the investigation to uncover the criminal network behind this operation, as well as to identify the intended recipients of the narcotics in Bengaluru.
DRI Operations Across the Country, Including Bengaluru:
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently conducted extensive operations across the country to curb the trafficking of narcotics. These operations were focused on major cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, and Nagpur.
During these operations, a total of over 9 kg of various narcotics were seized. Specifically, 5 kg of drugs were confiscated at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Bengaluru. This seizure was carried out by targeting a passenger traveling from Delhi to Bengaluru. In another separate operation, 3 kg of cocaine was discovered at the Delhi International Airport.