Bhubaneswar: In a major operation, marijuana worth over Rs five crore was seized from two passengers at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials.
According to sources, the contraband, weighing over eleven kg, was recovered from the luggage of two passengers who had arr
ived on a flight routed through Bangkok.
The narcotics were concealed in a compressed form inside the passengers’ baggage in an apparent attempt to evade detection during screening.
Based on intelligence inputs, DRI and Customs officials intercepted the passengers and carried out a detailed screening of their luggage.
During the search, officers recovered approximately 11 kg of compressed marijuana hidden inside the bags. The two passengers were immediately detained and questioned at the airport.
It is suspected that the seizure could be linked to an international drug trafficking network. Investigators are now trying to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment, as well as whether more individuals were involved in the operation.
Sources indicated that the consignment was intended for distribution in Odisha and neighbouring states.
The two passengers are being interrogated to ascertain their role in the alleged smuggling attempt and the wider network.