Malaysian detained for allegedly smuggling 4kg hydroponic cannabis into India

A Malaysian man was detained at Chennai International Airport in India for allegedly attempting to smuggle over four kilograms of hydroponic cannabis. The passenger, who had just arrived from Bangkok, Thailand on August 7, bypassed customs declaration when exiting through the Green Channel. Customs Air Intelligence Unit officers conducted an inspection based on profiling and discovered suspicious images in X-ray scans of his checked-in luggage.

Further examination revealed four packets containing greenish, lumpy substances with a strong odor, suspected to be high-grade hydroponic cannabis. Using a drug detection kit, they confirmed the 4,033g substance to be cannabis. The drugs were seized under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. Authorities warned the public, especially young people, to be cautious of sponsored overseas travel offers and opportunities to earn easy money by carrying luggage of unknown contents.

Hydroponic cannabis is grown indoors without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions, and is associated with high-quality cannabis. In September 2022, India's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence reported a significant increase in attempts to smuggle hydroponic cannabis from Thailand through various Indian airports.