Customs officials at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport seized 26.67 kg of suspected hydroponic ganja from two Indian passengers arriving from Bangkok.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The seizure was made at Terminal 3.[15][6][9][16][10][13] Both were diverted from the Green Channel for X-ray screening after profiling.[15][9][16][13][14] The two passengers were arrested on 28 October under Section 43(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.[1][15][2][3][4][5][9][16][10][11][13] The substance was seized under Section 43(a) of the same act.[1][2][3][4][5][16]

Officers found 26 polythene pouches of a green substance suspected to be marijuana or hydroponic weed.[17][9][16][10][12][13][14] Customs valued the haul at about Rs 9.33 crore.[1][2][3][4][5][6][9][16][10][11][12][13][14] A diagnostic test indicated prima facie that the substance was marijuana or hydroponic weed.[17][3][4][5][11]

Customs said cases were booked against the two under sections 8, 20, 23 and 29 of the NDPS Act and that its investigation was in progress.[15][10] Hydroponic ganja is a high-potency variety of cannabis grown in nutrient-rich water instead of soil.[1][2][3][4][5][10][11]

The pouches were packed 13 to each of two black trolley bags.[1][3][4][5][7][11]

Customs said it acted on a tip-off as well as passenger profiling, and placed the two under surveillance as they tried to clear the Green Channel.[10] Both passengers were being interrogated as investigators tried to determine the network and reach of the international drug syndicate within India, customs said.[10] Customs said high-vigilance operations would remain in place at the airport terminals.[10]