Passenger Trying to Smuggle Hybrid Ganja to UAE Caught at Kochi Airport, Customs Seizes Rs. 5.5 Crore Worth of Contraband
Customs officials at Kochi Airport arrested a passenger bound for the UAE and seized Rs. 5.5 crore worth of hybrid ganja hidden in food packets.
In a major operation led by S.K. Rahman, Chief Commissioner of the Thiruvananthapuram Customs Zone, officers of the Customs (Preventive) Cochin unit successfully intercepted and seized a large quantity of hybrid ganja (hydroponic weed) at the Kochi International Airport on April 24, 2025. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Customs team foiled an attempt to smuggle high-value...
In a major operation led by S.K. Rahman, Chief Commissioner of the Thiruvananthapuram Customs Zone, officers of the Customs (Preventive) Cochin unit successfully intercepted and seized a large quantity of hybrid ganja (hydroponic weed) at the Kochi International Airport on April 24, 2025. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Customs team foiled an attempt to smuggle high-value contraband out of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The passenger, who was scheduled to fly to Ras-Al Khaimah, UAE on Flight 6E 1493, was stopped at the Departure Hall of Kochi airport by the officers of the H.P.U, C.C.P, Cochin. Upon conducting a thorough examination of the passenger’s trolley bag, officers discovered 5,500 grams (approximately 5.5 kg) of hybrid ganja, cleverly concealed inside food packets. The seized narcotic is estimated to be worth around Rs. 5.5 crore in the international market.
Read More: No Reply to GST Notices on Portal? Send RPAD Reminders: Madras HC to GST Authorities [Read Order]
Step by Step Guide of Preparing Company Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Account CLICK HERE
One person has been arrested in connection with the case, and further investigations are currently underway to trace the broader network involved in the smuggling attempt.
What makes this seizure particularly huge is the unusual smuggling route. Hydroponic weed is commonly trafficked into India, often from Thailand, but in this case, it involved an attempt to export the drug out of India to the UAE, raising concerns about new trafficking patterns emerging in the region.
The Customs Department under S.K. Rahman praised the quick and effective action of the officers involved, reiterating their commitment to preventing smuggling and protecting the nation’s borders from narcotic trafficking. Further leads and possible links to international drug syndicates are being actively probed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Read More: CBIC Simplifies Air Cargo Movement & Transhipment Procedures: Key Highlights Inside [Read Circular]
Recently, in Bengaluru, Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested in March 2025 for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs. 12.56 crore through Kempegowda International Airport. Searches at her home led to further seizures of gold and cash, exposing a wider smuggling operation.
At Mumbai Airport, Customs officials recently seized 1.18 kg of cocaine valued at Rs. 11.8 crore from a passenger arriving from Uganda, along with 485 grams of gold dust worth Rs. 40 lakh, in two separate cases between March 2 and March 5, 2025.
Tax Planning For NRIs - CLICK HERE
Another major case involved the seizure of 23 kg of high-grade marijuana, including hydroponic varieties, at Bengaluru Airport in January 2025. Three passengers from Bangkok were arrested in connection with this smuggling attempt, which had an estimated market value of Rs. 23 crore.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
