In a high-value narcotics bust, air Customs officials at Calicut International Airport intercepted three women arriving from Thailand and seized 34 kg of hybrid ganja and 15 kg of drug-laced confectionery, with a total street value estimated at Rs40 crore.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
Rabiyat Saidu Sainudheen (40) – Chennai
Kavitha Rajeshkumar (40) – Coimbatore
Simi Balakrishnan (39) – Thrissur
The seizure took place late Tuesday night after an Air Asia flight (AK-33) from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur landed at 11:45 PM. Based on a tip-off, officials from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and Customs conducted checks and found the narcotics cleverly concealed in luggage.
Among the contraband were Thailand-manufactured chocolates, cakes, and cream biscuits, many disguised under labels of reputed brands but laced with synthetic drugs, notably amphetamines, as revealed by preliminary testing.
“We suspect a larger syndicate is involved. The confectionery items tested positive in our narcotics kit. Lab verification is underway,” said a senior Customs official.
All three accused are under custody and being questioned further. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the Customs Act. Authorities are also tracking the intended recipient of the seized consignment.
