Bhubaneswar, May 12: In a major crackdown on drug smuggling, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs seized around 11 kg of hydroponic weed worth nearly Rs 4 crore at Biju Patnaik International Airport on Tuesday morning.

According to reports, the contraband was allegedly being smuggled into the country from Bangkok by two youths from Tamil Nadu who arrived in Bhubaneswar on an Indigo flight. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI and Customs officials launched a joint operation at the airport and intercepted the suspects shortly after their arrival.

During inspection of their luggage, officials reportedly recovered around 11 kg of hydroponic weed, a highly potent and expensive form of cannabis cultivated using advanced hydroponic techniques. Due to its high quality and strong narcotic content, hydroponic weed commands a huge price in the illegal drug market.

The seized contraband has an estimated market value of nearly Rs 4 crore, officials said.

Both accused have been detained and are currently being interrogated by investigating agencies to ascertain the source, intended recipients, and possible interstate or international links of the smuggling network.

Officials suspect the involvement of a larger organised drug racket operating across multiple states and countries. Further investigation is underway to trace the entire supply chain and identify others connected to the illegal trade.

The seizure is being considered one of the major narcotics busts at Bhubaneswar airport in recent times.

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