Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Aug 9: Chennai Customs officials have arrested a Malaysian national for allegedly attempting to smuggle more than 4 kg of high-grade hydroponic Ganja through Chennai International Airport, officials said.

The Air Intelligence Unit of Chennai Customs intercepted the passenger on August 7 after profiling him as he arrived on a flight from Bangkok.

According to officials, the passenger attempted to pass through the Green Channel without making the mandatory declaration. During an X-ray screening of his checked-in baggage, officers detected suspicious internal density images.

A detailed physical examination of the bags led to the recovery of four packets containing a greenish, lumpy substance with a strong and pungent odour.

The contraband had been concealed in specially constructed false bottoms inside the checked-in luggage, an official release issued by Joint Commissioner of Customs K M Guru Rajesh said.

A Narcotic Drug Detection Kit confirmed the substance as hydroponic ganja (cannabis). The total net weight of the seized contraband was 4,033 grams.

The narcotic substance was seized under Section 43(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The passenger was subsequently arrested and remanded to judicial custody. A detailed investigation is underway to identify and trace the wider smuggling network involved in the operation.

Following the seizure, Guru Rajesh issued an advisory warning the public, particularly youngsters, against accepting offers of sponsored foreign trips or easy money in exchange for carrying unknown baggage during their return to India.

He said recent cases indicated that international smuggling syndicates often target young people by funding their travel, accommodation and other expenses before using them to transport and deliver contraband into India.

"Getting involved in such activities can ruin lives," the advisory cautioned, stressing that drug smuggling is a serious offence that carries stringent punishment and long-term legal consequences.