Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have foiled a major narcotics smuggling attempt, seizing 15.38 kg of hydroponic weed concealed inside two geysers carried by passengers arriving from Kuala Lumpur. The estimated value of the seized contraband in the illicit market is around Rs 5.38 crore.
According to the customs authorities, the operation was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) on June 7 after officers developed suspicion based on passenger profiling and specific intelligence inputs.
The two passengers had reached Delhi on a flight from Kuala Lumpur and were intercepted after crossing the green channel. During surveillance and examination, customs officers noticed that the passengers were carrying two brand new geysers along with their checked baggage.
Based on profiling and specific intelligence, customs officers at the IGI Airport successfully detected and thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of narcotic substance into India.
Officials said sustained interrogation of the passengers and scrutiny of communications on their mobile phones heightened suspicion about the contents of the appliances. The geysers were subsequently subjected to X-ray examination, which indicated the possibility of concealed material hidden within their internal structure.
Subsequent dismantling of both geysers led to the exposure of a highly sophisticated concealment mechanism. Customs officers recovered 145 vacuum sealed packets ingeniously concealed inside the appliances.
On examination, the packets were found to contain a green leafy substance suspected to be hydroponic weed (ganja). The total gross weight of the recovered narcotic substance was measured at 15.38 kg.
The narcotic substance has been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Both passengers have been arrested and further investigation is on to identify the source and intended recipients of the consignment.
