Bhubaneswar, Mar 24: In a major crackdown, customs officials at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar seized a large consignment of high-value cannabis on Tuesday. The drugs were intercepted during passenger screening of arrivals from Bangkok, highlighting ongoing concerns over international drug trafficking routes.

Authorities estimate the seized contraband to be worth nearly Rs 6 crore in the international market. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, customs conducted a detailed inspection and recovered the narcotics from the possession of the accused.

Two individuals, both residents of Tamil Nadu, have been detained in connection with the case. They are currently being interrogated to determine the source of the drugs and the network involved in transporting them into India.

Officials are also investigating the intended recipients of the consignment in Bhubaneswar. The involvement of a larger interstate or international drug syndicate is not being ruled out. Further probes are underway to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation and identify other individuals connected to it.

The repeated seizures at the airport have prompted enforcement agencies to step up surveillance and security measures to prevent such illegal activities.