New Delhi, May 25: Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi, have busted another narcotics smuggling attempt and seized 17.720 kilograms of suspected Hydroponic Weed (ganja) during a coordinated surveillance operation involving passengers arriving from Bangkok and Sharjah.
According to Customs officials, the operation was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at IGI Airport.
Officials said one passenger travelling from Bangkok to Delhi on Air India flight AI-2335 dated May 12, 2026, had been discreetly placed under surveillance based on intelligence inputs.
At the same time, another passenger arriving from Sharjah on flight IX-136 came under suspicion while crossing the Green Channel carrying a bag that reportedly had no baggage tag attached.
During X-ray screening of the baggage, Customs officers noticed suspicious images, following which the passenger was stopped for detailed examination and questioning.
Officials said baggage tags were later recovered from the passenger during personal search. During interrogation, the passenger allegedly admitted that he had been instructed to collect the bag that had originally been booked in the name of the Bangkok passenger.
Subsequent examination of the baggage led to the recovery of Hydroponic Weed (ganja) weighing approximately 17.720 kilograms, including packing material.
Customs authorities have registered a case in connection with the seizure and further investigation is currently underway to trace the smuggling network and identify other individuals involved in the operation.
The latest seizure comes amid intensified monitoring by Customs officials at IGI Airport following a series of major narcotics recoveries linked to international routes.
