Customs officials in Gujarat have uncovered two major drug smuggling incidents within days, including the seizure of heroin worth nearly Rs. 30 crore at Ahmedabad airport and hydroponic ganja valued at Rs. 3.75 crore from a flight in Surat.
In the biggest recovery, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad customs intercepted a passenger arriving from Kuala Lumpur on February 9. Acting on profiling inputs, officers stopped the traveller — a native of Tamil Nadu — and carried out a detailed baggage inspection.
According to media reports, during the search, officials found 6.8 kg of heroin packed in 29 parcels. The narcotics had been disguised as soap bars and placed inside original-looking soap cartons in an attempt to evade airport security checks. Investigators said the consignment was further wrapped in silver foil and carbon paper to reduce chances of detection during X-ray screening.
The heroin was reportedly concealed in 26 soap boxes along with three envelopes. The passenger has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and officials believe he may have been used as a carrier by an organised international trafficking network. Authorities are now tracing the supply chain and identifying the intended recipients.
Meanwhile, a separate seizure was reported at Surat International Airport, where customs officers recovered 3.7 kg of hydroponic ganja worth around Rs. 3.75 crore from a Bangkok-Surat flight.
The substance was found unclaimed on board the aircraft. During a search, officials noticed suspicious pouches hidden near safety jackets under seats. On opening them, officers discovered seven vacuum-sealed packets wrapped in brown tape. Tests later confirmed the material to be hydroponic cannabis.
In a related crackdown, the AIU has also arrested four individuals in another hydroponic ganja case involving drugs worth nearly Rs. 6 crore. All the accused are reportedly residents of Uttar Pradesh.
Customs authorities have intensified surveillance at Gujarat’s international airports as investigations continue into possible links between these smuggling attempts and wider drug trafficking networks.
Also Read: DRI Busts Major Drug Racket at Ahmedabad Airport, Seizes Ketamine Worth ₹50 Cr https://www.vibesofindia.com/dri-busts-major-drug-racket-at-ahmedabad-airport-seizes-ketamine-worth-rs-50-cr/
