Another Malaysian arrested for drug smuggling abroad after pilot case in Indonesia

A Malaysian man was arrested in Chennai, India for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than four kilograms of hydroponic cannabis aboard an international flight. According to officials from Chennai Customs, the suspect arrived in Chennai on August 7 from Bangkok, Thailand. Customs officials claim the man attempted to bypass customs inspection by using the Green Channel without declaring his luggage contents.

An initial X-ray scan of his checked-in baggage revealed suspicious images, which led to further inspection. Inside a specially constructed compartment at the bottom of his luggage, authorities found four packets of greenish, lumpy substances emitting a strong odor, believed to be high-grade hydroponic cannabis. The total weight of the drugs was 4,033 grams.

The seized substance was confirmed as cannabis through a drug detection kit. The suspect was detained and held pending further investigation. Authorities warn the public, especially young individuals, to be cautious of offers for sponsored overseas travel and to avoid carrying luggage of unknown contents when returning to India.

This case follows an increase in hydroponic cannabis smuggling attempts reported by India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in September, where they seized 108.67 kilograms of the drug from various Thai airports in a 20-day period. Hydroponic cannabis, grown without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions and under controlled conditions, is often associated with higher potency.