Pune Customs seizes hydroponic marijuana worth ₹3.72 crore at airport, arrests passenger
The interception was based on passenger profiling and suspicious findings during baggage scanning, a press note issued by Pune Customs said
On November 4, 2026, Indian customs officials at Pune International Airport apprehended an Indian citizen who had traveled from Bangkok via Air India Express flight IX-291. The individual was targeted due to profiling and the detection of unusual activity in their luggage. Upon further inspection, officers uncovered a sophisticated method of smuggling illicit drugs.
Concealed within nine rectangular packets, labeled as freeze-dried durian, lay 10.642 kilograms of hydroponic weed, also known as marijuana. The packaging contained two layers of vacuum-sealed black polythene to evade detection. Upon opening the packets, the arresting officers identified the substance as marijuana through preliminary testing.
The entire shipment, valued at approximately ₹3.72 crore, was subsequently seized. The Indian national was arrested and presented before a judicial magistrate, who granted him judicial custody until November 18. Authorities are currently investigating the broader syndicate responsible for this drug smuggling attempt. Pune Customs remains on high alert to prevent the trafficking of contraband substances and drugs.
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