The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 108.67 kg of hydroponic cannabis in less than 20 days during multiple operations across India, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Tuesday. The action is part of the ongoing nationwide drive, ‘Operation Weed Out’, launched to curb trafficking of high-value narcotics.
Major seizure at Mumbai airport
According to the ministry, DRI officers recovered 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, between September 13 and 14. Two Indian nationals arriving from Bangkok were intercepted and a detailed search of their baggage revealed 39 packets of cannabis. A subsequent operation led to the arrest of the intended recipient. In a separate case, DRI seized 7.8 kg of hydroponic cannabis from two passengers attempting to smuggle the contraband from Bangkok to Mumbai. Both were arrested under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Pan-India interceptions
Between August 26 and September 12, DRI carried out operations in Jaipur, Lucknow and Kolkata, leading to the recovery of 61.67 kg of hydroponic cannabis smuggled from Thailand. Just weeks earlier, on August 20-21, the agency had seized 72.024 kg of the drug worth about Rs 72 crore, along with illegal proceeds of Rs 1.02 crore. Five people, including financiers and a mastermind, were arrested in that operation.
Rise in cross-border smuggling
Officials said the past year has seen a sharp increase in attempts to smuggle hydroponic cannabis from Thailand into India through airports. DRI stressed it will continue to act firmly against trafficking syndicates, in line with the government’s vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat.”
