Bhubaneswar, May 12: In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs seized around 11 kilograms of hydroponic weed worth nearly Rs 4 crore at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday morning.
According to official sources, the contraband was allegedly being smuggled into Odisha from Bangkok by two youths from Tamil Nadu who arrived in Bhubaneswar on an Indigo flight. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding possible narcotics smuggling, DRI and Customs officials launched a joint surveillance and interception operation at the airport.
During the checking process, the officials recovered the high-value narcotic substance concealed in the luggage carried by the accused. Both individuals were immediately detained for questioning.
Investigators suspect the seizure could be linked to a larger interstate or international drug trafficking network. Officials are now trying to trace the intended recipients of the consignment and identify others involved in the racket.
Hydroponic weed is considered a premium and highly potent form of cannabis cultivated using advanced hydroponic techniques, making it significantly more expensive in illegal drug markets compared to ordinary marijuana.
Sources said the seized narcotics have been sent for further examination, while the detained youths are being interrogated to ascertain the source, destination, and operational network behind the smuggling attempt.
Further investigation is underway, and more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.
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