Major Drug Bust at IGI Airport as Officials Intercept Passenger Arriving from Bangkok
New Delhi (Economy India): In a major anti-smuggling operation, customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have seized suspected cannabis valued at approximately ₹2.43 crore from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The passenger has been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
According to an official statement released by the Customs Department, the seizure was made on Wednesday following a detailed inspection of the passenger’s baggage.
Passenger Intercepted During Screening
The Indian traveler arrived in New Delhi on a flight from Bangkok and was selected for further examination after customs officials observed suspicious indicators during routine screening procedures.
Authorities subjected the passenger’s luggage to an X-ray scan, which revealed anomalies requiring a more detailed inspection.
During the subsequent physical examination of the baggage, customs officers recovered eight polythene packets containing a green-coloured substance suspected to be cannabis (ganja).
Drugs Valued at ₹2.43 Crore
Preliminary estimates indicate that the seized contraband has a market value of approximately ₹2.43 crore.
Officials stated that samples of the substance have been sent for laboratory testing to confirm its exact composition and purity.
The recovered narcotics were immediately confiscated, and the passenger was taken into custody for further questioning.
Investigation Underway
Customs authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine:
🔹 The origin of the narcotics
🔹 The intended destination of the consignment
🔹 Possible links to international drug trafficking networks
🔹 Whether additional individuals were involved in the smuggling attempt
Investigators are also examining the passenger’s travel history, communication records, and financial transactions as part of the probe.
Growing Concern Over Drug Smuggling Routes
Enforcement agencies have been intensifying surveillance at major international airports amid concerns over the increasing use of global travel routes for narcotics trafficking.
Bangkok remains one of the key international transit points frequently monitored by Indian authorities due to concerns over illegal drug movement.
Customs officials have strengthened screening measures, including advanced X-ray systems, passenger profiling, and intelligence-based operations to curb drug smuggling activities.
Strict Action Under NDPS Act
The arrested passenger is expected to face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, one of India’s strictest laws dealing with drug-related offences.
If convicted, penalties can include substantial fines and lengthy prison terms depending on the quantity and nature of the narcotic substance involved.
Authorities emphasized that India maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics trafficking and will continue to take stringent action against offenders.
Conclusion
The seizure of suspected cannabis worth ₹2.43 crore at Delhi Airport highlights the continued vigilance of Indian customs authorities in combating international drug trafficking. As investigations continue, officials are working to uncover any larger smuggling network behind the operation while reinforcing security measures at key entry points across the country.
(Economy India)
