Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹74.5 Lakh Seized From Aircraft Lavatory At Pune Airport
Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹74.5 Lakh Seized From Aircraft Lavatory At Pune Airport
Pune, March 5, 2026: Officials from the Air Intelligence Unit of the Pune Commissionerate of Customs seized hydroponic marijuana worth approximately ₹74.5 lakh at Pune International Airport, officials said on Tuesday.
The recovery was made during a routine inspection of Air India Express flight IX-241 that had arrived in Pune from Bangkok. During the search of the aircraft, officers discovered two yellow-coloured food packets concealed inside a tissue cabinet in the lavatory.
Upon opening the packets, officials found eight vacuum-sealed pouches containing hydroponic weed, a high-grade form of marijuana commonly trafficked in illegal drug markets. The total weight of the seized substance was approximately 745 grams.
Authorities estimated the illicit market value of the recovered contraband at around ₹74.5 lakh.
The narcotic substance was confiscated under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). Officials said the concealment method suggests the drugs may have been hidden during the flight in an attempt to avoid detection.
No arrests have been made so far in connection with the seizure. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify the individuals involved and determine how the contraband was placed inside the aircraft lavatory.
Customs authorities are also examining passenger records and coordinating with airline officials as part of the probe.
