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Chennai: In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Chennai Airport Customs and Air Intelligence Unit has seized approximately 30 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, valued at a staggering Rs. 30 crores in the international market. The contraband was smuggled from Thailand via Malaysia, and three individuals from a northern Indian state have been arrested in connection with the seizure, which has sent shockwaves through the airport's security apparatus.
The operation was set in motion after the Air Intelligence officers received specific information about a large consignment of hydroponic cannabis being smuggled into Chennai on a flight from Bangkok. Acting swiftly on the tip, a dedicated team of officials initiated intense surveillance at the Chennai International Airport starting midnight. They began meticulously monitoring all arriving and departing passengers, focusing on individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior or travel patterns.
The breakthrough came with the arrival of a private passenger flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the early hours of the morning. Among the passengers were three individuals from a northern state who had travelled to Thailand as tourists. Their itinerary immediately raised red flags among the vigilant officers. Instead of returning directly to their home state, the group had taken a circuitous route, traveling from Thailand to Chennai with a layover in Malaysia. This unusual travel plan prompted the customs officers to stop the trio for questioning.
During the initial interrogation, the three passengers provided inconsistent and contradictory answers, deepening the officers' suspicions. Consequently, they were taken to the customs office for a thorough examination of their luggage. Upon inspection, officials found a large quantity of processed food packets and parcels. A closer look revealed a sophisticated concealment method, with the high-grade hydroponic cannabis carefully hidden inside packets of processed snacks and chocolate boxes. Additional quantities of the processed drug were also discovered hidden within the parcels they were carrying. The total haul was weighed and confirmed to be 30 kilograms.
Following the seizure, the three passengers were immediately placed under arrest. An intensive investigation is currently underway to uncover the full scope of the smuggling racket. Preliminary findings suggest that the narcotics were not intended for Chennai alone. Investigators believe the accused had planned to distribute the high-value hydroponic cannabis to various states across India using rail and road networks, leveraging Chennai as a strategic transit point.
This significant seizure has created a stir, coming just a month and a half after a similar high-profile incident where a film actor from a northeastern state was arrested at Chennai Airport for smuggling cocaine worth Rs. 35 crores. The back-to-back major drug busts have raised serious concerns about the airport being targeted by international drug cartels.
