Bhubaneswar: In a major drug bust, the Customs sleuths at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) intercepted a large consignment of hydroponic marijuana valued at approximately Rs 4 crore during a routine baggage check on Tuesday.
According to sources, the high-grade contraband was cleverly concealed in the traveler’s luggage. One passenger, who arrived on an IndiGo flight from Bangkok, has been detained for interrogation as investigators probe potential c
onnections to international drug syndicates.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the seized narcotics were likely for local distribution during Zero Night celebrations. However, the passenger’s travel patterns are also being probed for any links to broader trafficking networks and possible plans to transport the haul overland post-arrival.
With this, eight consignments of Thailand-made hydroponic ganja have been seized since January.
In October, a youth from Kerala was arrested at BPIA with over 3 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 3.2 crore. The narcotics consignment was allegedly smuggled into the city from Bangkok.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar police have ramped up security measures citywide for New Year celebrations, with increased patrolling, checkpoints, and a strict no-tolerance policy toward illegal activities, including narcotics possession and trafficking.