Chennai customs officials seized hydroponic ganja worth ₹23.5 crore from three passengers who arrived from Thailand on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, air customs officers conducted checks on passengers arriving from the country, suspecting an attempt to smuggle drugs into the city.At midnight, officers intercepted three Indian passengers, including a woman who had traveled to Thailand on a tourist visa. The officials grew suspicious after noticing their nervous behavior and evasive responses during questioning.
A detailed search of their luggage led to the discovery of 24 packets of hydroponic ganja, weighing 23.48 kg. The seized contraband, valued at ₹23.5 crore, was confiscated, and all three passengers were immediately arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were acting as kuruvis (drug couriers) and had been sent to Chennai as part of a smuggling operation. Authorities have launched a search to track down the individual who orchestrated their trip to Thailand.
Further investigations are underway to uncover the larger network behind the smuggling attempt