Hydroponic Cannabis Worth ₹1.42 Crore Seized at Delhi Airport, Probe Launched

Customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have seized 4.045 kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis , valued at approximately ₹1.42 crore , from a passenger who arrived from Bangkok , authorities said on Monday.

According to an official statement, the passenger was intercepted after crossing the airport’s green channel. During routine screening, customs officers identified suspicious images in the passenger’s baggage through X-ray examination, prompting a detailed search.

The inspection led to the recovery of six vacuum-sealed packets containing suspected hydroponic weed, a high-potency form of cannabis cultivated in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. The substance is known to command a significantly higher price in illegal drug markets due to its potency.

Following the seizure, customs authorities registered a case under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act . The passenger has been booked in connection with the alleged smuggling attempt.

Officials have launched a detailed investigation to determine the origin of the consignment, identify potential associates involved in the operation, and trace the intended recipients of the narcotics in India. Authorities are also examining whether the case is linked to a larger cross-border drug trafficking network.

The seizure highlights continued efforts by customs authorities to curb the smuggling of high-value narcotics through international airports. Investigators are expected to analyse travel records, communication links, and other evidence as part of the ongoing probe.

Further investigation is underway.