Customs officials at Coimbatore International Airport seized 6.713 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis, valued at approximately Rs7.2 crore, from two passengers who arrived from Singapore late Monday night. This seizure is considered one of the biggest of its kind at the airport.
Based on specific intelligence regarding high-grade narcotics being smuggled into India, the Air Intelligence Unit and Air Customs kept a close watch on incoming passengers. Two individuals—Bhagatman Mujeeb and Sukhail Ubaydullah, both residents of Kottayam, Kerala—were intercepted and subjected to detailed luggage checks.
The search revealed hydroponic cannabis, a highly potent and carefully cultivated form of marijuana grown using water-based techniques. Officials estimate the street value of the seized consignment to be around Rs7 crore.
Both accused were arrested under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and have been remanded to judicial custody. Further investigations are underway to identify the source of the narcotics and potential links to larger international smuggling networks.
In a separate case on the same flight, customs officers also intercepted Tamilarasi Jayamanickam and Pandithurai Subbaiah, both from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, who were found smuggling undeclared electronic items worth Rs18.67 lakh. The premium gadgets and accessories were confiscated, and the duo was booked for customs violations.
Due to enhanced surveillance, the clearance process at the airport was temporarily delayed. However, officials confirmed that all passengers were eventually allowed to leave after screening.
“We have strengthened profiling and surveillance to detect such trafficking attempts early,” a senior official stated, highlighting the growing cooperation between intelligence agencies and customs authorities in curbing smuggling operations.
