Bhubaneswar, 29 July (H.S.): In a major breakthrough against drug trafficking, the Customs Department at Biju Patnaik International Airport has seized hydroponic marijuana valued at over ₹30 crore. The high-grade contraband was recovered from six bags that arrived on a flight from Bangkok.

The seizure was made during a routine customs inspection when officers became suspicious of the luggage carried by three inbound passengers. Upon detailed examination, the bags were found to contain a substantial quantity of marijuana cultivated using the hydroponic method — a soil-less technique that utilizes nutrient-rich water to grow cannabis plants, often resulting in more potent yields.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the market value of the seized marijuana is over ₹1 crore per kilogram, making this one of the largest hauls of its kind at an Indian airport in recent times.

The three passengers in possession of the narcotics have been detained for questioning. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the consignment and its intended distribution network. Further legal action is expected following the interrogation and analysis of evidence.

The Customs Department has intensified surveillance at international entry points amid a rising trend in the smuggling of synthetic and high-grade drugs into the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda