By Naysa Shrivastava
Pune Customs’ Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) has unearthed a major smuggling operation and
seized more than 13 kilograms of high-strength hydroponic cannabis commonly referred to as
“hydro weed” valued at over ₹13 crore in the global market.
Three passengers, who were working as drug mules, were caught at Pune International
Airport after arriving from Bangkok, officials said. Their local contact, who was waiting
outside the airport to pick them up, was also apprehended. Two of the four accused are
women.
The illegal contraband was seized on September 1, but the information was released to the
press only this Saturday after the preliminary investigation was over.
In a press release issued by Pune Customs, “Based on specific information, officials of the
AIU intercepted the passengers who had arrived on an Indigo flight from Bangkok. Search of
their check-in luggage resulted in the recovery of greenish-brown dried leafy material
weighing 13.732 kg. Field testing revealed the contents to be marijuana (cannabis).”
All four arrested handlers included, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
(NDPS) Act, 1985 and have been remanded to judicial custody. Probe into the supply chain
and distribution network is under way.
This is the second time that such a seizure has taken place in Pune Airport. Authorities noted
that several hauls of hydroponic marijuana have been reported over the past few months,
especially by those from Bangkok.
According to officials, this constant inflow of hydro weed smuggled into Pune and other
Indian cities is a growing concern.
Experts described that hydroponic growing where marijuana is cultivated inside using water-
based nutrient solutions rather than soil usually yields more potent strains. These tend to have
higher THC levels, the chemical that induces psychoactive effects.
Due to the controlled indoor cultivation process, the crop is perceived as cleaner, stronger,
and of higher quality, hence artificially increasing its market price. Production is also more
expensive than with normal marijuana, adding to the premium price.
Lawmen warn, though, that at times normal marijuana is misrepresented as “hydro” just to
command more money.
While the increased number of seizures indicates greater awareness at airports, officials
cautioned against the health risks of marijuana smoking. “Regardless of how it is made or
viewed, marijuana along with all other drugs carries serious health hazards, including
possible harm to mental and physical well-being, as well as a high potential for addiction,” an
officer stated.
So far, the passengers who were arrested and their handler are in judicial custody as officials
investigate deeper into the global network of smuggling high-quality cannabis into India.