Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: As anticipated, the suspected smuggling of high-value foreign cannabis has reportedly resumed following the launch of direct flight services to Bangkok. In the latest incident, officials seized 8.5 kg of hydroponic cannabis (marijuana) at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials have detained three passengers from outside Odisha in connection with the alleged drug smuggling. Preliminary investigations suggest that all three suspects are from West Bengal.

In a similar incident on the 17th, DRI and Customs officials seized 4.877 kg of cannabis, reportedly concealed in secret compartments of bags and dog food containers at Bhubaneswar Airport. The seized contraband was estimated to have a market value of approximately ₹1.85 crore. Four passengers from outside Odisha were detained in connection with that case.

Bhubaneswar Airport has increasingly come under scrutiny over suspected international drug-smuggling operations. According to reports, traffickers are allegedly bringing high-value foreign cannabis from Bangkok and Malaysia into India through the airport before transporting it to various states across the country.

The latest seizure has once again raised concerns about the alleged use of Bhubaneswar Airport as a transit point for international cannabis smuggling. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.