Probe into seizure of hydroponic marijuana at RGIA widens, links 96 suspects to international trafficking network

The investigation into the seizure of 13.2 kg of hydroponic marijuana at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has expanded to uncover links to an alleged international trafficking network spanning Thailand and several Indian states. The Telangana EAGLE Force identified approximately 96 persons connected to the syndicate, with 60 individuals in Maharashtra and Gujarat accused of transporting the drug and served notices under Section 67 of the NDPS Act.

Special teams were deployed across various parts of the country to trace suspects involved in moving the drug from Thailand to destinations such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gujarat, and Kolkata. The probe began on April 7 when Customs officers intercepted passenger Sodha Mohsin Bahadur Bhai, who had flown from Bangkok, leading to the recovery of 13.2 kg of hydroponic marijuana from his checked-in baggage.

Further investigations uncovered Harshad Mansukh Bhai Prajapathi and Sandeep Jayprakash Vaswani, who were subsequently apprehended near BHEL Junction in Ramachandrapuram, with another 12.739 kg of marijuana seized from them. The arrest of Hemang Pramod Kuleskar and 16 others as alleged kingpins and members of the trafficking network has since broadened the investigation to identify those involved in the procurement, transportation, distribution, and circulation of hydroponic marijuana.

EAGLE Force is now examining suppliers operating from Thailand, domestic transporters, distribution channels, intended recipients, financial transactions, and logistical support used to move the consignments. The probe aims to establish the complete chain through which the drug was allegedly procured, transported, and distributed across different cities in India.