Chennai, Aug 10:
Officials of the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) have seized 4.03 kg of hydroponic ganja (cannabis) from a Malaysian National who arrived from Bangkok at the Anna International Airport from Bangkok and arrested him.
Official sources said the passenger attempted to exit through the Green Channel without making any declaration to the Customs authorities, who grew suspicious and subjected his baggages for screening.
During X-ray screening, the passenger’s checked-in baggage showed suspicious images. A detailed examination resulted in the recovery of four packets containing a greenish, lumpy substance emitting a sharp and pungent odour, suspected to be high-grade Hydroponic Ganja (Cannabis). The packets were ingeniously concealed inside the false bottoms of the checked-in baggage.
The recovered contraband weighed 4,033 grams (4.03 kg) and tested positive for Ganja/Marijuana using the Narcotic Drug Detection Kit.
The contraband was seized under the provisions of Section 43(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The passenger was arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
Further investigation is in progress.
Chennai Customs advises the public, particularly the youth, to remain vigilant against offers of sponsored foreign travel and easy money for carrying unknown baggage on their return journey.
Analysis of recent cases reveals that smuggling syndicates frequently target young individuals by funding their travel, accommodation, and other expenses, and subsequently use them to carry and deliver contraband into India. Involvement in such activities can ruin lives, as these are serious offences under the law that invite strict punishment and long-term legal consequences.