Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in coordination with the Customs Department, seized around 11 kg of suspected marijuana at Bhubaneswar Airport, foiling an international drug smuggling attempt on Tuesday.
According to sources, the contraband, estimated to be worth nearly Rs 5 crore, was recovered from the luggage of two passengers who had arrived on a flight routed through Bangkok.
According to official sources, the narcotics were concealed in a compressed form inside the passengers’ baggage in an apparent attempt to evade detection during screening. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI and Customs officials intercepted the passengers and carried out a detailed examination of their luggage.
During the search, officers recovered approximately 11 kg of compressed marijuana hidden inside the bags. The two passengers were immediately detained and questioned at the airport.
Officials suspect the seizure could be linked to an international drug trafficking network. Investigators are now trying to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment, as well as whether more individuals were involved in the operation.
The seized narcotics have been seized for further examination, and the passengers are being interrogated to ascertain their role in the alleged smuggling attempt.