Pune, 13 February 2026: At Pune International Airport, the Air Intelligence Unit of the Customs Department foiled a major drug smuggling attempt and seized hydroponic weed valued at ₹5.42 crore.
The accused, a 32-year-old man, arrived from Bangkok on Air India Express flight IX-241 on Wednesday evening. Acting on specific intelligence inputs and closely monitoring the passenger’s movements, officials intercepted him for inspection.
During a detailed search of his baggage, officers discovered five toy boxes containing hydroponic weed. The narcotics were carefully wrapped in carbon paper in an attempt to evade airport scanning systems. Approximately 5.5 kilograms of the contraband was recovered. Authorities estimate its international market value at ₹5.42 crore.
The accused has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985, and further investigation is underway.
Additional Commissioner of Customs, Rahul Gawande, said the department had prior intelligence and was closely observing the passenger’s activities. He added that the crackdown against those attempting to build drug networks in Pune will continue.
