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Hybrid: Customs and police officials at Ahmedabad’s international airport have uncovered a major drug smuggling attempt after seizing a large consignment of high-grade hybrid marijuana valued at approximately Rs 12.50 crore. The operation led to the arrest of four passengers and is being described by investigators as part of a wider international narcotics network that has been using air routes to move illegal substances into India.

Intelligence Inputs Trigger Operation

The seizure followed precise intelligence inputs received by customs authorities regarding the possibility of narcotics being smuggled into the country from Southeast Asia. Based on this information, officials prepared a targeted operation focusing on passengers arriving from Bangkok, a route that has recently drawn increased attention from enforcement agencies due to repeated drug-related interceptions.

Intensive Screening at Arrival

Acting swiftly, officials conducted enhanced screening of passengers disembarking from the Bangkok flight. During routine checks, baggage belonging to four individuals raised suspicion due to irregularities detected during scanning. This prompted a detailed physical inspection of their luggage, which ultimately led to the discovery of concealed contraband.

Recovery of High-Grade Hybrid Marijuana

Upon examination, authorities recovered a substantial quantity of banned hybrid marijuana packed in plastic packets and hidden carefully within the baggage. According to a senior customs official, the seized substance is considered far more potent and expensive than conventional cannabis. Its estimated value in the international illegal drug market is around Rs 12.50 crore, making it one of the more significant seizures at the airport in recent months.

Arrests and Initial Findings

All four passengers were detained at the airport immediately after the recovery and were later formally arrested. Preliminary questioning revealed that one of the accused is a resident of Vadodara, while the other three hail from Punjab. Officials believe the group may have been acting as carriers within a larger organized network rather than operating independently.

Probe Into Distribution Network

Investigators are now focusing on determining the intended destination and purpose of the seized consignment. Early indications suggest that the drugs were meant for distribution in major Indian cities, where demand for high-potency narcotics has reportedly been increasing. Authorities are examining travel histories, financial transactions, and communication records of the accused to identify other individuals involved in the supply and distribution chain.

Legal Action Under NDPS Act

A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The seized marijuana has been sent for forensic analysis to confirm its composition and potency. Officials stated that further questioning of the accused is underway to gather more information about possible international connections and funding sources.

Growing Concern Over Airport Smuggling

This latest case adds to a series of recent drug seizures at Ahmedabad airport. Earlier this month, customs officials intercepted hydroponic cannabis worth nearly Rs 8 crore from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. In another incident, around 3.9 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana was seized, leading to an arrest under the same law. These repeated cases have raised concerns about traffickers attempting to exploit international flights for smuggling activities.

Enhanced Surveillance Measures

In response to the rising number of interceptions, authorities have implemented stronger surveillance and intelligence-led operations at the airport. Officials emphasized that coordination with central agencies has been intensified to track international drug syndicates and dismantle networks involved in cross-border trafficking. They also reiterated that strict monitoring of high-risk routes will continue to prevent airports from becoming transit points for illegal narcotics.