TV
In a major drug bust, the Customs Department seized hydroponic marijuana worth over Rs 30 crore from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. The contraband, commonly referred to as ‘hydroponic weed’, was recovered from six bags arriving on a flight from Bangkok.
Sources said the seizure was made during a routine customs check after officers grew suspicious of the luggage carried by three passengers. Upon inspection, the bags were found to contain high-grade marijuana cultivated using the hydroponic technique, which involves growing cannabis in nutrient-rich water without soil.
The estimated market value of the seized marijuana is believed to be over Rs 1 crore per kilogram, making the total consignment worth approximately Rs 30 crore.
The three individuals, carrying the bags, have been detained, and they are currently being interrogated by customs officials to ascertain the source and intended destination of the drugs.
This is one of the biggest drug hauls at the Bhubaneswar airport in recent times and points to an emerging trend of international smuggling routes via Odisha.
