Customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru have seized 38.34 kg of hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 13.14 crore, which was being transported from Bangkok, in two major operations. Six people have been arrested and are being questioned under the NDPS Act for hiding the drugs in luggage bags.
Bengaluru, June 15: Customs officials have carried out a major operation at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) near Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district. Hydroponic cannabis worth crores of rupees, which was being transported illegally from Bangkok to Bengaluru, has been seized in two separate cases. A total of 38.34 kg of cannabis hidden in luggage bags was seized during the inspection by the Customs department and 6 passengers involved in the network have been arrested.
Highlights
- Rs 13.14 crore worth of cannabis seized.
- Illegal oil smuggling ring from Bangkok to Bengaluru.
- 6 arrested for hiding in luggage bags.
- First joint operation, five arrested on June 11
According to official information provided by Bengaluru Customs officials, cannabis smuggling came to light when 5 passengers who landed in Bengaluru from Bangkok on June 11, 2026 were checked. These accused had cleverly hidden the cannabis inside their checked-in baggage to avoid inspection at the airport. When the officials thoroughly scanned the bags, a total of 24.8 kg of sophisticated hydroponic cannabis was found. Its international market value is estimated to be around Rs. 8.68 crore. All five people were immediately arrested.
Another Arrest on June 13
On June 13, 2026, the Customs had its eye on another passenger from Bangkok. Another shock awaited them when they stopped a suspicious passenger who had landed in Bengaluru and checked his check-in bag and hand luggage bags. 13.54 kg of vacuum-packed hydroponic cannabis was also found in his bag. Its total value is Rs 4.74 crore.
In these two separate operations, the Customs department has seized a total of 38.34 kg of hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 13.14 crore. A case has been registered against the 6 arrested accused under the Narcotics Control Act. Customs officials are intensively interrogating the accused to find out who is behind this international drug mafia in Bengaluru and to which parts of the city this drug was being brought for supply.