Pune: In a major drug bust, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Pune customs, seized 5,429 grams of hydroponic weed (marijuana) with an estimated illicit market value of ₹5.42 crore at Pune airport, said officials on Friday. One passenger has been arrested in connection with the case.
According to officials, the operation was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs and passenger profiling.
The AIU team intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Bangkok on Air India Express flight IX-241 on February 11.
During a detailed examination of the passenger’s check-in baggage, officers recovered transparent packets containing hydroponic weed. The narcotic substance had been carefully concealed by wrapping it in carbon paper and hiding it inside five toy boxes in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Customs officials seized the contraband under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source, intended recipients, and possible links to a larger trafficking network, officials said.