Malaysian National Arrested at Chennai Airport with Rs 4 Crore Hydroponic Cannabis

Customs officials at Chennai International Airport intercepted a 35-year-old Malaysian national and seized 4.33 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, valued at an estimated Rs 4 crore in the international market. The passenger had arrived on a late-night flight from Bangkok on Saturday.

The operation was carried out after the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department received a tip-off that a large consignment of narcotics was being transported into the city from Thailand. Based on the intelligence, AIU personnel stepped up surveillance across the airport, specifically monitoring passengers arriving on flights from Bangkok.

The suspect, who was traveling on a tourist visa, collected his baggage upon arrival and attempted to exit the terminal through the green channel, declaring that he was not carrying any dutiable goods. However, AIU officers grew suspicious of his movements and stopped him for questioning.

During the initial interrogation, the passenger gave contradictory replies to questions asked by the officers. His inconsistent answers prompted the team to escort him to the Customs examination area, where a detailed search of his baggage was conducted.

Upon searching his suitcase, officials recovered four packets concealed inside. A detailed check confirmed that the packets contained 4.33 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis worth Rs 4 crore.

Customs authorities seized the entire consignment and placed the Malaysian national under arrest under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Further questioning of the arrested suspect revealed that he was allegedly working as a courier for an international drug trafficking network. According to officials, he collected the consignment from members of the syndicate in Thailand and transported it to Chennai following their instructions.

Customs officials are now pursuing further investigations to uncover the local network and identify the intended recipient of the contraband in Chennai. Authorities are also probing the identities and whereabouts of the international drug trafficking syndicate operating behind the shipment.