(Mumbai Airport) At Mumbai International Airport, the customs department has uncovered large-scale smuggling of hydroponic cannabis in six different operations over the past two days. A total of 33 kg of hydro cannabis has been seized, with an estimated value of 33 crore rupees in the international market. Eight people have been arrested in connection with this smuggling case,
According to the information received, the smugglers attempted to bring narcotics into India from Bangkok, Thailand, and Malaysia. These substances were hidden by travelers in their trolley bags. During airport inspections, these narcotics were successfully detected with the help of advanced equipment. The investigation agencies have filed charges against all eight accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), and they have been placed in judicial custody. Coordination among various investigation agencies is ongoing for further inquiry into the case.
It has been found that the demand for cannabis grown using hydroponic methods has rapidly increased in recent times. These cannabis plants are grown without soil, in a special nutrient solution. This farming is done under controlled temperature and humidity in air-conditioned spaces under LED or HPS lights, which accelerates plant production.