Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Customs Seize Hydroponic Weed in Multiple Airports
Customs officials in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad recently stopped people from smuggling hydroponic ganja, a type of weed, into India from Bangkok.
In Mumbai, a 27-year-old man from Karnataka was caught with 11,207 grams of weed worth ₹11.20 crore.
In Chennai, two people were caught with 10.75 kg of weed hidden in chocolate pouches.
In Hyderabad, seven people were caught with 27.15 kg of weed worth ₹9.5 crore.
All of them admitted that they were paid to bring the weed into India.
The officials are still investigating to find out who was behind these smuggling attempts.
The customs department is warning people not to get involved in such activities as it is a serious crime with strict punishments.
Customs officials in Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad intercepted individuals smuggling hydroponic ganja from Bangkok.
In Mumbai, a 27-year-old man from Karnataka was caught with 11,207 grams of weed worth ₹11.20 crore.
In Chennai, two Indian nationals were caught with 10.75 kg of weed hidden in chocolate pouches.
In Hyderabad, seven individuals were caught with 27.15 kg of weed worth ₹9.5 crore.
All accused admitted to being lured by promises of payment to smuggle the drug and have been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
- Who
- S.K.S. Thirumalaiah (Mumbai), two Indian nationals (Chennai), seven individuals (Hyderabad)
- What
- Smuggling hydroponic ganja/weed
- When
- January 28, 2024 (Chennai), January 30, 2024 (Mumbai), January 31, 2024 (Hyderabad)
- Where
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai), Chennai Airport, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad)
- Why
- For monetary consideration
- Accused Name 1
- S.K.S. Thirumalaiah
- Age 1
- 27
- Origin 1
- Karnataka
- Accused Names 2
- Two Indian nationals (names not disclosed)
- Origin 2
- Chennai
- Accused Names 3
- Seven individuals (four passengers and three associates)
- Origin 3
- Hyderabad
- Drug Type
- Hydroponic ganja/weed
- Drug Quantity 1
- 11,207 grams
- Drug Value 1
- ₹11.20 crore
- Drug Quantity 2
- 10.75 kg
- Drug Quantity 3
- 27.15 kg
- Drug Value 3
- ₹9.5 crore
- Source
- Bangkok
- Destinations
- Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad
- Date 1
- January 30, 2024
- Date 2
- January 28, 2024
- Date 3
- January 31, 2024
- Act
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
Sources
Mumbai Airport Customs Arrest 27-Year-Old Karnataka Man For Smuggling Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹11.20 Crore From Bangkok At CSMIA
DRI Seizes 27.15 kgs of Hydroponic Weed worth Rs.9.5 Cr at RGIA
Chennai: Customs foils attempt to smuggle 10.75 kg hydroponic ganja, two arrested
DRI Seizes Over 27 Kg Marijuana At Hyderabad Airport
DRI Seizes Rs 9.5 Cr Hydroponic Weed At RGIA