In a significant shift in illicit trade patterns, high-quality marijuana, specifically hydroponic weed, has displaced gold smuggling as the primary contraband intercepted at Pune's Lohegaon Airport last year. Official data from the Pune Customs department highlights this dramatic change in criminal activity.
A Year of Narcotics Dominance
According to the released figures, customs officials at Pune airport cracked a total of 15 smuggling cases and arrested 16 individuals in 2025. Strikingly, 12 of those arrests were directly linked to narcotics trafficking. The data confirmed that there was not a single attempt to smuggle gold in any form throughout the year, marking a departure from a long-standing trend in the city.
A senior customs official explained the economic rationale behind this shift. "Earlier, the import duty on gold was higher. It is not the case now. This resulted in the profit margin shrinking," the official stated. "Hence, the smuggling of weed from Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok took its (gold) place."
The High-Value Hydroponic Weed Pipeline
The specifics of the narcotics cases are revealing. Customs authorities registered seven cases linked to the attempted smuggling of hydroponic weed in 2025. In a major haul, they intercepted over 40 kilograms of this specialized cannabis, with an estimated total value exceeding a staggering Rs 40 crore.
Officials described the product as superior quality marijuana grown indoors under controlled, laboratory-like conditions. "Being superior in quality, its cost is very high compared to ordinary weed," the official noted, adding that Pune's large youth and student population, along with its numerous educational institutions, make it a prime market for such high-end contraband.
The smuggling route is clearly identified. "The weed has been coming on flights from Bangkok," the official said. Pune airport is currently connected to Bangkok by direct flights operated by IndiGo and Air India Express, besides its connections to Dubai.
In another significant drug bust separate from the cannabis cases, customs officials apprehended a person carrying over 5 kg of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 2.61 crore.
Exotic Animals: An Emerging Concern
Beyond drugs, Pune airport witnessed a novel and concerning spike in the smuggling of exotic animals—a previously rare occurrence for the city. In July 2025, two people were arrested for attempting to smuggle reptiles, including green tree pythons, parrots, and rabbits from Bangkok. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) made a second such interception in December 2024.
This diversification of smuggled goods underscores the evolving challenges for enforcement agencies. "So, the shift from the 'traditional' gold smuggling is now evident," the customs official concluded, pointing to the clear transition towards narcotics and other unusual commodities like wildlife.
