In a major action, the team of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 27.15 kg of hydroponic ganja (hydroponic weed/marijuana) at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). Its estimated price is Rs 9.5 crore. This consignment was hidden in the check-in bags of four Indian passengers who had come on a Thai Airways flight from Bangkok. A total of seven people, four international passengers and their three companions, have been arrested.
Action taken after receiving intelligence information
At around 1:15 am on January 30, officials of DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit, based on specific intelligence, started surveillance in the arrival area of ​​the airport. Four passengers arriving from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG-329 were stopped while handing over their bags. Three other suspects were also arrested.
During a thorough examination of the bag, several packets were found inside the trolley bag, in which a green-brown colored ganja-like substance was hidden. When tested with a narcotic drug detection kit, it was proven to be hydroponic ganja. A total of 27.15 kg (gross weight) was seized.
Action taken under NDPS Act
This action was taken under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. All seven accused have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act. Investigation revealed that this hydroponic ganja was part of international smuggling, which was being brought to India from Bangkok. Hemp grown hydroponically is more powerful than regular marijuana because it is grown without soil, using water and nutrients.
This type of incident has come to light in a few months
Such incidents have increased at Hyderabad Airport in recent months. In previous years too, several consignments of hydroponic hemp were intercepted on flights coming from Bangkok and Dubai, such as 13.3 kg in August 2025 and 4.15 kg in October 2025. This operation was successful on the joint information of DRI’s Hyderabad and Chennai zonal units. Officials say that the investigation is ongoing and efforts are being made to uncover the smuggling network.
This incident is a signal for strict action against drug trafficking. DRI and other agencies are increasing surveillance at airports so that such international conspiracies can be stopped. Further investigation is expected to reveal more.
