Gaya: Indian customs authorities have uncovered a major drug trafficking operation at Gaya Airport, seizing 8.5 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic marijuana from a flight arriving from Bangkok. Five individuals, including a Thai national, were arrested in connection with the haul, which is estimated to be worth around Rs 8.5 crore on the international market.
The seizure occurred during inspections of passengers on flight FD-122. Officials discovered the marijuana hidden in four separate bags. Those taken into custody include Thai national Wasana Bongko, alongside Rahul Mishra, Mohd. Salim, Wasim Tayyab Memon, and Tabrez Nafasat.
Hydroponic marijuana, cultivated using advanced techniques to enhance potency, is highly prized internationally. One kilogram of this variety can reportedly fetch over Rs 1 crore, making it a lucrative target for traffickers.
Authorities also recovered an additional 10 kilograms of marijuana from two unclaimed bags that had arrived on a Thai Airways flight on March 14. No passengers claimed the luggage, suggesting an attempt to evade detection.
Since January, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs officials have seized a total of 60.5 kilograms of marijuana at Gaya Airport, with an estimated international market value exceeding Rs 60 crore. Earlier seizures include 17 kilograms on January 7 and 8.8 kilograms on December 28, the latter involving a smuggler from Chhattisgarh.
In response to the repeated incidents, airport security protocols have been tightened. Customs, DRI, and the CISF are coordinating closely to inspect international flights from Thailand and other destinations. Interrogations of the arrested suspects are ongoing, as authorities work to dismantle the broader trafficking network.
