New Delhi, Oct 28 (UNI) In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Customs department at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport seized 4.94 kilograms of marijuana, valued at approximately Rs 4.94 crore in the illicit market, and arrested six individuals, including two passengers who smuggled the drugs concealed inside jackfruits.
The interception occurred on October 24, when Customs officials, acting on a suspicion, stopped two Indian passengers who had arrived from Bangkok on flight SG-88.
During a thorough baggage screening at Terminal-3, officers made the startling discovery. They found eight yellow polythene packets hidden inside the hollowed-out cores of fresh jackfruits. The packets contained a green vegetable substance, initially suspected to be Ganja or Marijuana.
The total weight of the seized narcotic was precisely 4,941.5 grams. Subsequent diagnostic tests conducted on the substance confirmed it to be marijuana.
The investigation quickly expanded beyond the two couriers. Based on intelligence gathered, officials identified and apprehended four other individuals believed to be part of the smuggling network, who were allegedly waiting to receive the contraband.
All six accused have been formally booked under the stringent Sections 8 (prohibition of certain operations), 20 (punishment for contravention in relation to cannabis plant and cannabis), 23 (punishment for illegal import into India), and 29 (punishment for abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
A senior Customs official stated that a further investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the racket, including tracing its source and international links to dismantle the entire smuggling chain.
