Pune: A major drug bust was conducted at Pune International Airport, where officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized hydroponic cannabis worth ₹10 crore. Two individuals who had arrived from Bangkok were detained at the airport in connection with the smuggling attempt. The investigation is currently ongoing.
According to DRI sources, the duo landed at Pune Airport on Monday, May 12, from Bangkok. Based on a tip-off received by the Mumbai unit of the DRI, the suspects were intercepted upon arrival. Their luggage was thoroughly searched, and hydroponic cannabis was found concealed in their bags.
During the interrogation, the accused revealed that the cannabis was intended to be delivered to a third person in Mumbai for distribution. Acting on this information, the DRI team conducted a follow-up operation in Mumbai and took another individual into custody. Cannabis was also seized from the third accused.
In total, 10 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis were confiscated in the operation. According to a DRI press release, the seized contraband has an estimated international market value of ₹10 crore. Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.
This is not the first such incident at Pune International Airport. In previous operations, the Customs Department and DRI teams have seized illegal narcotics and smuggled gold brought through the airport.
