DRI Seizes ₹12 Crore Hydroponic Weed at Hyderabad Airport

Swift Summary

• Location: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad.
• Event: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI),Hyderabad Zonal Unit seized 12 kg of hydroponic marijuana valued at ₹12 crore on September 20,2025.
• Seizure Details:

– 6 kg found in the baggage of an Indian passenger arriving from Dubai.
– Another 6 kg was discovered in a misplaced checked-in bag belonging to the same passenger, which arrived later.
– Tests confirmed the confiscated substance as cannabis.

• Action Taken: The passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
• Further Investigations: Authorities are working to trace the larger smuggling network.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The seizure highlights two critical aspects requiring attention: increasing sophistication in drug trafficking and India’s role as both a destination and transit point for narcotics smuggling due to it’s geographic location and international connectivity. The use of hydroponic methods points to high-grade production aimed at affluent markets, marking an alarming trend towards quality-conscious drug networks.

This incident also underscores strong enforcement measures coordinated by agencies like DRI but raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities at airports even with advanced surveillance systems. Continuing follow-up investigations will be crucial not just for prosecuting those directly involved but also for disbanding wider networks tied to manufacturing or international syndicates.

Efforts must balance effective enforcement with rehabilitation initiatives under existing laws like NDPS Act while fostering cross-border collaboration against transnational crime.

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