Major Drug Bust at Hyderabad Airport: DRI Seizes Hydroponic Ganja Worth Rs 9.5 Crore
In a significant operation that highlights the ongoing battle against international narcotics trafficking, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully thwarted a major drug smuggling attempt at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in the early hours of Friday. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 27.1 kilograms of high-potency hydroponic ganja, with an estimated street value of approximately Rs 9.5 crore.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the DRI's Hyderabad zonal unit maintained a vigilant watch at the airport's arrival block. At precisely 1:15 AM on Friday, their surveillance paid off when they intercepted four Indian nationals who had just arrived from Bangkok aboard Thai Airways flight TG-329. The operation expanded as authorities also detained three additional men who were waiting outside the arrival area, apparently to collect the baggage containing the illicit consignment.
A thorough inspection of the travelers' checked-in trolley suitcases revealed a sophisticated concealment method. Officials discovered several plastic-wrapped bricks of a greenish-brown, lumpy substance hidden beneath false bottoms in the luggage. The meticulous nature of the concealment suggested an organized smuggling operation with international connections.
Confirmation of High-Potency Narcotics
"Field testing with a narcotic drug detection kit confirmed the seized substance to be high-potency hydroponically grown marijuana," stated a senior DRI official involved in the operation. The confirmation underscores the dangerous nature of the seized material, as hydroponically cultivated cannabis is known for its significantly higher THC content compared to traditionally grown varieties.
The entire consignment, concealed across eight separate suitcases, was officially seized under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. All seven individuals apprehended in connection with the case have been formally arrested and remanded to judicial custody as the investigation progresses.
Ongoing Investigation and Network Analysis
Investigators are currently analyzing the cell phone data recovered from the accused individuals in an effort to identify their overseas suppliers and domestic distribution networks. This digital forensic examination is crucial for dismantling the entire smuggling chain and preventing future attempts.
The operation represents a significant victory for Indian anti-narcotics agencies in their continuous efforts to secure the country's borders against the influx of illegal drugs.
Pattern of Hydroponic Weed Seizures at RGIA
Friday's operation marks the third major seizure of hydroponic weed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in recent months, indicating a concerning pattern of smuggling attempts through this route.
- On January 8, Customs officers intercepted 12.9 kilograms of hydroponic ganja from a passenger arriving on an AirAsia flight from Bangkok.
- Earlier, on November 11, 2025, Customs officials seized 4.3 kilograms of hydroponic ganja from another passenger who had arrived from Bangkok.
In both previous cases, the accused individuals were booked under the NDPS Act in separate cases and subsequently remanded to judicial custody. The recurrence of such incidents suggests that law enforcement agencies need to maintain heightened vigilance on flights originating from certain international destinations.
The successful interception by DRI officials demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence operations and serves as a strong deterrent to international drug trafficking networks attempting to use Indian airports as transit points for their illicit trade.
