T’puram: Air Customs officials at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport seized 5.8kg of high-potency hydroponic cannabis worth around Rs 2.03 crore in the international illicit market and arrested two Myanmar nationals in connection with the smuggling attempt.The arrested men have been identified as U U Khaing, 32, and Min Zaw Hein, 36. Customs officials said the duo arrived at the airport from Singapore on a flight on Tuesday.According to the customs officials, the passengers’ behaviour raised suspicion during the arrival checks, following which their luggage was subjected to detailed inspection. The cannabis was allegedly concealed in specially fabricated secret compartments at the bottom of their check-in bags.Officials said the concealment compartments were not immediately visible during routine baggage checks. The customs team dismantled the bags to recover the contraband, which was packed and concealed inside the specially created cavities.The seized substance weighed 5.8kg and was identified as hydroponic cannabis, a high-potency variety cultivated artificially without soil using nutrient-rich solutions. Customs officials estimated its value in the international illicit drug market at around Rs 2.03 crore.A case has been registered against the two accused under provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Further investigation is under way.Customs officials are also examining the travel details and baggage movements of the accused as part of the investigation. The seizure comes amid increased surveillance at international airports to detect attempts to smuggle high-value narcotic substances through passenger luggage.Hydroponic cannabis has gained attention among enforcement agencies because of its relatively high potency compared with conventional cannabis. The cultivation method involves growing cannabis plants in controlled conditions without soil, with nutrients supplied through specially prepared solutions.
