Customs officials at Pune International Airport seized 10.642 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis valued at ₹3.72 crore and arrested an Indian passenger who allegedly attempted to bring the consignment from Bangkok concealed in food packets, according to the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU).
The seizure was made on November 4 after the passenger arrived in Pune on Air India Express flight IX-291 from Bangkok. AIU officials reportedly found his movements suspicious and searched his trolley bag.
The luggage contained packets of noodles and nine silver packets labelled “Freeze Dry Monthong Durian”. The packets initially appeared to contain ordinary food products. During a closer inspection, Customs officials found two layers of black plastic and vacuum-sealed pouches concealed inside them.
The pouches contained yellowish-green dried flower buds with a strong odour. A test using the Customs department’s narcotics detection kit indicated that the substance was hydroponic cannabis, the report said. Officials subsequently seized the cannabis along with the packaging material allegedly used to conceal and transport it.
The international market value of the seized substance was assessed at ₹3.72 crore, according to the report. The case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The passenger was produced before a court, which ordered that he be kept in judicial custody until November 18. The report did not identify him by name or provide further details about the alleged supply network or the investigation into the intended destination of the consignment.
The seizure highlights the operational challenge faced by airport security and Customs agencies when prohibited substances are concealed within ordinary commercial food packaging. In this case, the alleged concealment involved vacuum sealing and multiple plastic layers inside packets that appeared to contain noodles and dried fruit.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Customs Deputy Commissioner Dheeraj More. Further proceedings in the case will take place under the NDPS Act, with the accused remaining in judicial custody until the date ordered by the court.
