₹30 crore hydroponic marijuana seized at Bhubaneswar Airport; three from UP detained

Bhubaneswar, July 29: In a major breakthrough against international drug trafficking, the Customs Department at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar has seized hydroponic marijuana worth over ₹30 crore.

The high-grade contraband, commonly known as ‘hydroponic weed,’ was intercepted from six pieces of checked-in baggage that arrived on IndiGo flight 6E-1066 from Bangkok.

The seizure occurred during a routine baggage screening, when customs officials grew suspicious of the luggage belonging to three passengers. A detailed examination revealed around 30 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana, a potent variety cultivated in nutrient-enriched water instead of soil. With an estimated market value of ₹1 crore per kilogram, the total value of the seized drugs exceeds ₹30 crore.

The three detained individuals have been identified as Mohammad Jam, Mohit, and Bamati, all residents of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh. Customs officials are currently interrogating the trio to trace the origin of the consignment, possible local accomplices, and intended recipients in India.

Preliminary investigation points to an international smuggling network that may be exploiting Tier-II airports like Bhubaneswar for discreet transit. Authorities have launched a deeper probe to uncover the full extent of the drug racket.