Bhubaneswar, July 29: In a significant crackdown on international drug trafficking, Customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar seized hydroponic marijuana worth over ₹30 crore. The contraband, commonly referred to as ‘hydroponic weed,’ was discovered in six pieces of checked luggage that arrived on IndiGo flight 6E-1066 from Bangkok.

During routine screening, customs officers grew suspicious of the baggage belonging to three passengers. A detailed inspection led to the recovery of approximately 30 kilograms of high-quality hydroponic marijuana—cultivated in water enriched with nutrients instead of soil. With a street value estimated at ₹1 crore per kilogram, the entire haul is valued at more than ₹30 crore.

The three arrested individuals—identified as Mohammad Jam, Mohit, and Bamati—are residents of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh. They are currently undergoing interrogation as authorities attempt to uncover the source of the narcotics, their intended recipients, and any larger network involved.

Preliminary investigations suggest a sophisticated international smuggling ring may be using Tier-II airports like Bhubaneswar as transit points. Authorities have stepped up surveillance and are working to dismantle the broader syndicate behind the operation.

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