Bhubaneswar, July 8 (UDN): In a major anti-narcotics operation, officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar, seized suspected marijuana worth nearly ₹5 crore from an international passenger who had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.
The seizure was made during a routine baggage screening and customs inspection after authorities noticed suspicious contents in the passenger’s luggage. A detailed examination led to the recovery of a large quantity of the contraband, which had allegedly been concealed to evade detection.
The passenger was immediately detained for questioning, and the seized substance has been sent for forensic examination to confirm its composition. Preliminary estimates place the value of the recovered narcotics at around ₹5 crore in the illicit market.
Customs officials have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and have launched a detailed investigation to determine the source of the consignment, its intended destination, and whether the accused was linked to an international drug trafficking network.
Authorities are also examining the passenger’s travel history, communication records and possible connections with cross-border smuggling syndicates. Further arrests or seizures have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.
Officials described the operation as a significant success in strengthening surveillance against international narcotics trafficking through airports and reiterated their commitment to taking strict action against drug smuggling.
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