LUCKNOW: A passenger was detained by an FRRO officer at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow after his travel pattern raised suspicion during immigration clearance, following which Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) sleuths recovered 1.677 kg of hydroponic weed worth around Rs 2 crore from his luggage.The passenger, identified as Anvar Ali, a resident of Malihabad in Lucknow, arrived on Flight WY-265 from Muscat on Friday morning. According to the FRRO, pre-arrival analysis of data from the Advance Passenger Information System showed that Ali had travelled from Bangkok to Oman before flying to Lucknow.During immigration clearance, an FRRO officer detained Ali for detailed questioning because of his travel pattern and recent arrival from Bangkok. Ali initially told the officer that he had visited Bangkok for business purposes and was returning after completing his work.During questioning, the officer suspected that Ali could be carrying contraband and handed him over to AIU officials for further examination.The Customs AIU said that during a search of the passenger’s luggage, its teams recovered 1.677 kg of hydroponic weed concealed in tin boxes kept among seafood containers.The FRRO said that after Ali was taken to the Customs area, officials also found an unclaimed bag. Ali initially claimed that he was carrying only one bag. However, after being questioned by Customs officials, he admitted that the unclaimed bag belonged to him.Further investigation is underway to identify the source and intended destination of the contraband and establish whether others were involved.
