Bengaluru: A crackdown by customs sleuths at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) has exposed a surge in attempts to smuggle in high-grade cannabis into the country, with officers seizing over 70kg of hydroponic ganja worth more than Rs 25 crore between April 14 and 21. The seizures are mostly linked to passengers arriving from Bangkok.The latest interceptions on April 21 saw multiple passengers being caught with significant quantities of contraband concealed in checked-in baggage. In one case, officers found 13.7kg of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 4.8 crore, while another passenger was found carrying 11.1kg worth Rs 3.9 crore. Additional seizures the same day included 3.9kg and 3.3kg, all hidden using similar concealment techniques. A day earlier, customs officers seized nearly 6kg at Terminal 2. On April 19, two passengers from Bangkok were intercepted with 3.9kg of hydroponic ganja concealed in cabin baggage. On April 18 and 17, multiple cases were registered involving seizures of 5.7kg, 5.8kg, and 11.7 kg in separate incidents, including one involving four female passengers.On April 14, officers seized 5.9kg from another Bangkok-origin passenger. In each case, the accused were arrested and booked under NDPS Act. Hydroponic ganja, known for its high potency, is typically grown in controlled indoor environments. Customs authorities at KIA intensified surveillance on Southeast Asian routes, particularly Bangkok. “Investigations are now focused on identifying local handlers and distribution networks, as well as possible international rings coordinating these shipments,” said a senior customs official.
