Nagpur: In a major crackdown on international narcotics trafficking, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Customs Special Intelligence and Investigation Branch (SIIB) seized 5 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana valued at ₹5 crore at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, early Friday morning.

The consignment, smuggled from Bangkok to India through a multi-country route, was recovered from a passenger who arrived on Qatar Airways flight QR-590 from Doha, which landed around 2.48 am. During routine customs and security checks, officials found the drug — concealed in baggage — and detained the suspect following prior intelligence.

According to sources, the accused had started his journey from Bangkok, travelled to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), then to Doha (Qatar), before reaching Nagpur. The drug, worth ₹1 crore per kg, is believed to be part of a larger international smuggling network.

Hydroponic marijuana — also called hydroponic weed — is grown without soil, using water, nutrients, and oxygen, allowing for rapid plant growth. The variety has a higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content, making it far more potent than regular cannabis. It is in high demand at underground rave parties and private gatherings due to its stronger intoxicating effects.

Officials suspect the consignment was meant for distribution across major Indian cities. The passenger remains in custody as DRI and Customs continue their joint investigation.