Surat: The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs department seized 1.656 kg of hydroponic ganja worth around Rs 1.5 crore from an aircraft at Surat international airport, officials said on Sunday.According to customs officials, the contraband was recovered during a rummaging operation on an Air India Express flight that arrived from Bangkok on March 14.The officials searched Flight IX-263 after receiving specific intelligence inputs. They found four vacuum-packed polythene packets concealed inside the pouch meant for storing safety jackets beneath seats 12E and 12F. Three packets were wrapped in grey tape while one was wrapped in brown tape.Since the packets were unclaimed and unaccompanied, the officials conducted a field test of the substance, which confirmed the presence of marijuana (cannabis). The narcotics were subsequently seized under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.Officials said an investigation was launched to identify those involved in the smuggling attempt. Authorities are scrutinising details of passengers who were seated in the two seats where the drugs were concealed, as well as the passengers scheduled to board the aircraft for its onward journey.Customs officials added that this was not the first such seizure linked to flights arriving from Bangkok. In recent months, the Surat city crime branch has also intercepted hydroponic ganja from passengers arriving at Surat airport, indicating a possible smuggling route through the international flight corridor.
