Customs officials detected 148.67 kilograms of hydroponic narcotic imported from Bangkok at the IGI Airport air‑cargo complex.

At the air‑cargo complex of Indira Gandhi International Airport, customs officials, using special scanning equipment and the customs intelligence network, identified a narcotic cultivated with hydroponic technology in a container imported from Bangkok. The substance, weighing a total of 148.67 kilogram, was classified as high‑quality cannabis, which had been grown in a hydroponic system to enhance purity and potency. The shipment had originally been attempted to be concealed by mixing it with electronic components, but the radar‑based chemical detection technology deployed by customs immediately exposed it.

This incident shows that new forms of international drug smuggling, especially those based on hydroponic cultivation, are now reaching major Indian airports. The customs department has, in recent months, intensified the use of advanced scanners, AI‑driven package analysis, and cooperation with foreign agencies to curb such smuggling. The seized substance this time has been handed over to the National Medicinal Control Authority, and a joint operation has been launched to identify the smuggler group’s source, route, and distributors as part of the investigation.

Legally, cannabis prepared hydroponically is also prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs Act, and the quantity of 148.67 kilogram falls within the scope of severe penalties. Officials emphasize that continuous monitoring, technological upgrades, and international cooperation are essential to prevent such smuggling. This step will not only help limit the supply of narcotics in India but also set a precedent for preventing similar cases in the future.