Hydroponic ganja worth Rs 1.47 crore seized at Chennai airport; two arrested

Chennai: Customs officials at Chennai International Airport seized hydroponic ganja worth around Rs 1.47 crore that was being smuggled from Thailand, officials said on Saturday.

Acting on a specific tip-off, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted an Indian passenger who arrived from Bangkok on a Thai Airways flight early Thursday. A search of his checked-in luggage led to the recovery of 3,966 grams of green flowering tops, suspected to be hydroponic ganja, packed in vacuum-sealed pouches and hidden in a false compartment of his suitcase.

In a similar operation, another passenger arriving from Bangkok was caught carrying 7,826 grams of hydroponic ganja, also concealed in vacuum-sealed packets.

During questioning, both individuals admitted that they had been hired by a person who promised them money for smuggling the contraband from Bangkok to Chennai. The duo has been arrested and remanded in judicial custody, officials added.

(with agency inputs)