Customs officials at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport seized a large quantity of hydroponic ganja worth more than ₹19 crore and arrested six Thai nationals. The incident took place during a security check of passengers arriving from Bangkok.
Officials became suspicious while checking the luggage of the passengers on Air India Express flight IX-215. After a detailed inspection, they found around 19.7 kilograms of hydroponic ganja hidden inside trolley bags. The drugs were packed in plastic packets to avoid detection.
The arrested group included three men and three women from Thailand. According to investigators, the international market value of the seized drugs is estimated to be around ₹19.7 crore.
During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted that they had previously smuggled drugs through other routes in India. Authorities are now investigating the larger drug trafficking network connected to the case. Officials are also trying to identify the people who were supposed to receive the consignment in India.
Hydroponic ganja is a high-quality form of cannabis grown in a controlled environment without soil. Because of its strong effect and high demand, it is sold at very high prices in illegal markets.
The six accused were presented before a court and later sent to jail. Customs and other investigative agencies are continuing their investigation to uncover the full smuggling network behind the operation.
This seizure is one of the biggest hydroponic ganja recoveries reported at an Indian airport in recent months and highlights the growing challenge of international drug smuggling through air routes.
