Bhubaneswar, Aug 23: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized marijuana worth around ₹4 crore from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Friday. A man and a woman, reportedly a couple, have been detained for allegedly smuggling the contraband.
According to sources, the couple had arrived from Bangkok when they were intercepted by Customs officials acting on a tip-off. Upon inspection of their luggage, a large quantity of marijuana was recovered. The officials have initiated further enquiry into the matter.
This incident adds to a series of recent narcotics seizures at the Bhubaneswar airport. Just a few days ago, DRI officials had recovered 8 kg of marijuana, estimated to be worth ₹8 crore, from a passenger who had also travelled from Bangkok.
Earlier on July 29, three passengers arriving from Bangkok on IndiGo flight 6E-1066 were detained after Customs officials recovered hydroponic marijuana valued at over ₹30 crore from their baggage.
Officials said such repeated cases point to an organised network using international flights to smuggle narcotics into Odisha. Investigations are underway to ascertain the couple’s links to the racket.
