Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 17 (HBTV): As part of the ongoing pan-India 'Operation Weed Out', the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 39.2 kg of hydroponic weed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, on September 13 and 14, 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Three persons have been arrested in a coordinated operation under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted two Indian nationals arriving from Bangkok. A detailed examination of their checked-in baggage led to the recovery of 39 packets weighing 39.2 kg of hydroponic cannabis. A swift follow-up action resulted in the arrest of the intended recipient.
In another case, based on specific intelligence, DRI officers seized 7.8 kg of hydroponic weed being smuggled from Bangkok to Mumbai and arrested two passengers under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Between August 26 and September 12, 2025, DRI separately seized 61.67 kg of hydroponic weed smuggled from Bangkok into India at different locations, including Jaipur, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
Earlier, in a nationwide operation on August 20 and 21, 2025, DRI had seized 72.024 kg of hydroponic weed worth around INR 72 crore, along with illegal proceeds of INR 1.02 crore, and arrested five persons, including financiers and a mastermind, under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Officials noted that over the past year, there has been a sharp rise in attempts to smuggle hydroponic weed from Thailand into India through various airports. DRI continues to act firmly against such drug syndicates, reinforcing the Government of India's vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat. (ANI)