Surat: In a major bust, a foreign couple were arrested at the Surat Airport in Gujarat with over 17 kg of Hydroponic Weed or Hydro Ganja.
This was a joint operation by the CISF, Surat City Detection Crime Branch(DCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs department.
“The couple were on their way from Bangkok. During examination of checked-in baggage, 16 vacuum-packed polythene packets containing Hydroponic Weed were recovered, weighing 17.658 kg. The FSL-assessed value of the seized substance is approximately Rs 6.18 crore, while its estimated illicit market value is around Rs 17.5 crore. The accused have been handed over to the concerned agency along with material for further investigation,” an official said.
Hydroponic Weed is far more potent than normal ganja or cannabis, hence its high price and greater demand. While ganja is normally consumed by addicts from low income families, Hydroponic Weed is sought after by the rich and upper middle-class.
Unlike normal ganja, Hydroponic Weed is not grown in soil. It is grown in nutrient-rich water under controlled settings. This gives it higher potency.
India has been plagued with the smuggling of Hydroponic Weed over the last couple of years. Large quantities have been seized at international airports across the country, while being brought into India. The drug is also sent through couriers and as parcels.
This movement has been possible due to the relaxation on the use of weed in many countries. Thailand, for instance, allows weed for medicinal purposes. Much of the Hydro Ganja seized in India is routed from Thailand.
