Customs personnel at Indira Gandhi International Airport intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized over 12.8 kg of material believed to be cannabis. Valued at roughly ₹4.5 crore on the global market, the haul highlights the agency’s aggressive stance against drug smuggling.
Traveller Flagged in Initial Screening
The episode unfolded on 6 October 2026 at Terminal 3 when the passenger disembarked from Air India flight AI‑2335. While other passengers were directed to the green lane, officials noted anomalies in the traveller’s profile and ordered a secondary inspection.
The green lane is normally reserved for passengers with nothing to declare, but customs retains the right to pull anyone aside for further questioning if suspicion arises.
Thirteen Sealed Packs Discovered Inside a Metallic Trolley
When the silver‑coloured trolley was opened, officers found 13 tightly sealed polythene packets. Laboratory testing is pending, but preliminary assessment points to cannabis, commonly known as marijuana.
The combined net weight of the confiscated substance was recorded at 12,859.5 grams – about 12.86 kg – with an estimated street value of approximately ₹4.5 crore.
Customs Shares Operational Details
Delhi Customs (Airport and General) posted a briefing of the operation on its official social‑media platforms, emphasizing that passenger profiling, targeted baggage examinations, and continuous surveillance are key tools in intercepting illicit cargo.
In this instance, the profiling alert prompted a deeper bag inspection, leading to the discovery of the concealed packets.
Investigation Continues
Investigators are now tracing the source of the seized material, the logistics of its transport, and any possible accomplices. The probe will also determine whether the seizure is linked to a larger trafficking network and what the intended destination of the drugs was.
Legal proceedings will commence once the evidence is collated and the investigative report is finalized.
Conclusion: Delhi customs confiscated roughly 12.86 kg of suspected cannabis worth ₹4.5 crore from a passenger’s trolley bag arriving from Bangkok. The seizure, executed at Terminal 3 on 6 October 2026, has sparked a comprehensive investigation into the incident and any associated smuggling operations.
