Bengaluru, October 9: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a major drug bust at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), seizing 45.4 kilograms of hydroponic ganja and 6 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms valued at around Rs 50 crore.
Three persons were arrested in connection with the case, including Shiv Kumar from Sri Lanka, and two Indian nationals, Yusuf Bihari and Shahul Hameed.
The NCB Bengaluru zonal unit revealed that intelligence gathering on drug cartels trafficking hydroponic ganja from Thailand led to the interception of Yusuf and Shahul upon arrival from Colombo. Authorities seized 31.4 kg of hydro ganja and 4 kg of psilocybin mushrooms from them.
During interrogation, the duo confessed that their handler, Shiv Kumar, was arriving on a separate flight. Law enforcement officials arrested Shiv shortly after he landed at KIA, recovering 14 kg of hydro ganja and 2 kg of psilocybin mushrooms from him.
The accused had carefully concealed the contraband in approximately 250 vacuum-sealed food tins to evade detection.
NCB officials continue their investigation to identify other members of the trafficking syndicate.
