Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs officials on Tuesday intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok and 5.5 kg of hydroponic marijuana valued at around Rs 2 crore at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport.
According to sources, the contraband was concealed in secret chambers of the trolley bag of the duo, who arrived on an early morning flight from Bangkok. Acting on specific intelligence gathered by the Bhubaneswar wing of the DRI, the joint team conducted a thorough examination of their baggage and recovered the substance. Both individuals, identified as natives of Tamil Nadu, have been detained and are undergoing interrogation.
It is being suspected that the hydroponic marijuana, known for its higher potency due to soil-less cultivation techniques using nutrient-rich solutions, was being smuggled from Thailand for distribution in poll-bound Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where such premium imported cannabis is in demand.
Further investigation is underway to uncover the full smuggling network, including handlers in Bangkok and potential recipients in India.
This latest seizure has once again highlighted the emerging trend of Bhubaneswar airport being used as a transit hub for drug trafficking. In recent months, DRI and customs teams have foiled multiple attempts, including:
>> Around 8 kg of marijuana worth Rs 7.5 crore seized in early January 2026 from a Mumbaikar on a Bangkok flight.
>> 3.93 kg valued at Rs 3.93 crore recovered ahead of New Year’s Eve 2025, hidden in chocolate packets and false bottoms of luggage.
