New Delhi, October 16, 2026: Customs officers at the Air Cargo Complex of Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi have busted a major international drug smuggling attempt, seizing 148.67 kg of hydroponic weed concealed inside a cargo shipment arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. The seized narcotics have an estimated street value of ₹150 crore in India.
The operation was carried out by officers of the Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB), Air Cargo Complex Imports, New Customs House, New Delhi, following intelligence developed locally about a suspicious consignment.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the shipment was declared as polyurethane (PU) tubes packed in 19 cartons. Customs officials placed the consignment on hold after suspecting misdeclaration of its contents.
During a detailed examination conducted in the presence of the importer’s representative, officers discovered plastic spools containing PU tubes. However, when the spools were broken open, hidden cavities were found containing packets of compacted green-coloured substances wrapped in polythene.
The suspicious packets were recovered from 15 of the 19 cartons. Preliminary diagnostic tests indicated that the substance was ganja or marijuana.
Further examination revealed that a total of 120 plastic spools had been used to conceal 148.67 kg of hydroponic weed. Customs authorities estimated the value of the seized narcotics at approximately ₹52 crore, while their potential street value in the Indian market was assessed at around ₹150 crore.
The narcotics, along with the materials used for concealment and packaging, have been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The extensive operation continued for more than 72 hours and resulted in the arrest of one individual on October 15, 2026. The accused was produced before a magistrate on the same day.
Following the seizure, Customs teams conducted searches at five premises spread across three states. According to officials, these searches yielded important leads that could help investigators identify other individuals involved in the suspected international drug trafficking network.
The entire operation was closely monitored by senior Customs officials, including officers at the level of Chief Commissioner and Principal Commissioner, ACC Imports, and supervised by the Additional Commissioner of Customs, ACC Imports.
Officials said that the enormous profits associated with narcotics trafficking continue to encourage smugglers to adopt increasingly sophisticated concealment techniques to transport illegal substances across international borders.
The latest seizure highlights the vigilance of Indian Customs authorities in detecting narcotics smuggling through international air cargo channels.
Further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the smuggling operation, identify its masterminds and determine the intended recipients of the seized contraband.
