Marijuana worth Rs 3 crore seized at Bhubaneswar Airport; Kerala youth arrested

In a major drug bust, the Customs Department at Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) on Saturday seized marijuana worth approximately Rs 3 crore. The haul included 3.2 kilograms of marijuana, which was reportedly being smuggled into Bhubaneswar from Bangkok.

Authorities arrested a youth from Kerala in connection with the case. The suspect was reportedly transporting the consignment via air cargo when the Customs officials intercepted the shipment.

According to officials, the seizure is part of the department’s intensified efforts to curb the illegal inflow of narcotics into the country. The marijuana was carefully concealed, but routine checks by the Customs team led to its discovery.

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The arrested individual has been taken into custody for further questioning, and investigations are underway to trace the source of the contraband as well as any accomplices involved in the smuggling network.

Likewise, a Kerala native was arrested earlier with contraband worth around Rs 7 crore in January 2025 while customs officials intercepted approximately 50 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at over Rs 30 crore, concealed in six bags from a flight arriving from Bangkok on July 29, 2025.

Three passengers from Uttar Pradesh were arrested in connection with the haul.

This incident marks another significant interception at Bhubaneswar Airport, highlighting the growing vigilance of Indian authorities against drug trafficking. The Customs Department has assured strict action against offenders and emphasised its commitment to preventing the entry of illicit drugs into the country.