Significant Drug Bust at IGI AirportAuthorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi have successfully seized cannabis valued at over ₹10 crore. This announcement was made by the customs department on Saturday.
The suspect arrived in Delhi from Bangkok on December 31 and was scheduled to depart for Colombo the following day.
After clearing immigration, the traveler requested the airline to retrieve his checked luggage. However, customs officials, suspecting something amiss, decided to inspect the passenger's personal belongings.
According to a post by the customs department on the social media platform X, a thorough investigation revealed eleven polyethylene bags filled with green substances, suspected to be cannabis, hidden in a black trolley bag.
The customs department confirmed that the substances appeared to be cannabis upon initial examination. They also reported that the estimated market value of the seized illegal drugs is approximately ₹10.27 crore, and the passenger has been taken into custody.
On January 3, 2026, Customs officials at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi made a major drug bust, seizing over 10 kg of high-grade marijuana (cannabis) with an estimated market value of ₹10.27 crore.
The operation highlight a growing trend of narcotics being smuggled from Southeast Asia into India via air routes.
Key Details of the Seizure
The Accused: A passenger who had arrived from Bangkok on December 31, 2025.
2 He was reportedly in transit, with a scheduled departure for Colombo the following day.3 The Suspicion: The arrest occurred after the passenger requested the airline to offload his checked-in baggage after he had already cleared immigration.
4 This unusual request raised red flags for Customs officers.The Discovery: Upon inspecting his belongings, officers found a black trolley bag containing 11 transparent polythene packets.
5 Inside was a green-colored narcotic substance that tested positive for marijuana/ganja.6 Quantity & Value: * Total Weight: 10,275 grams (approx.
7 10.3 kg).Market Value: Estimated at ₹10.27 crore due to the high-grade nature of the substance (likely hydroponic).
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A String of High-Value Busts
This is the second major seizure of its kind at Delhi airport in just a few weeks. In late December 2025, another man arriving from Bangkok was arrested with 13.1 kg of marijuana valued at ₹10.5 crore, which he had concealed in 13 pouches within his luggage.
Note: The "high-grade" or "hydroponic" weed often seized in these cases is significantly more expensive than local varieties because it is scientifically cultivated (often in Thailand) to have a much higher THC content, making it a "luxury" product in Indian party circuits.
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Why Bangkok is a Hotspot
Since Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, Indian authorities have seen a massive surge in attempts to smuggle high-quality "hydroponic" weed into major metros. Smugglers often use "carriers" who attempt to hide the drugs in:
Food packets (noodles, biscuits, or pet food).
12 False bottoms of suitcases or kitchen utensils.
13 Disguised as legal herbal products.
Would you like me to look into the specific penalties under the NDPS Act for this quantity of drugs, or provide more information on the recent "Operation Weed Out" conducted by the DRI?
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