Customs Seizures 9 Kg of Ganja in 2 months at Chennai International Airport

On the night of 10th June 2025, acting on credible intelligence, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) team at Chennai International Airport intercepted a passenger who had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand via Colombo on Flight UL 123.

Upon examination of his checked-in baggage, suspicious food packets emitting a strong odour were discovered. Examination revealed six transparent packets containing green flowering/fruiting tops, suspected to be Cannabis (Ganja). Testing of the item using Narcotics field drug testing kit confirmed the recovered substance, weighing 2,800 grams, to be Marijuana – a prohibited substance under the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. During interrogation, the passenger confessed that he had been recruited by an individual who promised payment of ₹1.2 lakhs for transporting the contraband from Bangkok to Bengaluru. The passenger has been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985 by Customs and remanded to Judicial Custody by Judicial Magistrate, Special Court of Customs, Alandur.

On 3rd June 2025, Customs officers at the Postal Appraising Department (PAD), Airport Commissionerate, acting on suspicious results from X-Ray scanning, examined the package and discovered 2 packets of hydroponic weed, weighing a total of 1.022 kg, concealed within pet food packaging. The goods were seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, by Customs.

Earlier, in another case on 16th May 2025, the AIU team intercepted another passenger arriving from Bangkok, Thailand via Colombo at the Arrival Hall exit point. Examination of his checked-in luggage revealed 6.100 kg of Ganja (Hydroponic Marijuana) concealed in vacuum-sealed polythene packs. The contraband was hidden within 13 outer sealed packets disguised as “Ritz toasted chips/multigrain tortilla chips.” Testing of the samples confirmed the substance to be Marijuana.

The passenger has been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985 by Customs and remanded to Judicial Custody by Judicial Magistrate, Special Court of Customs, Alandur.

In the Month of April 2025, Airport Customs has also seized numerous prohibited items concealed in passenger baggage, including Drones, E-cigarettes, Crude gold ornaments, and poppy seeds.

The Airport Customs maintains heightened vigilance with continuous monitoring of suspect passengers and air routes to prevent smuggling activities.

International passengers are advised that bringing drones into India is strictly prohibited. All categories of drones, whether Completely Built Up (CBU), Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Semi Knocked Down (SKD), are prohibited for import. Some passengers attempt bringing drones from abroad, leading to seizures and legal complications. Passengers coming from abroad are advised not to bring drones into India.

Travellers also advised that while carrying gold they can obtain an export certificate at the time of their departure. This documentation helps avoid complications during customs clearance and ensures a hassle-free arrival back into India.

It is also noticed that some incorrect reporting elating to seizures at the Chennai Airport is making rounds. Print and electronic media houses are requested to verify authenticity with Customs before publishing news on Customs operations at Chennai Airport. Media representatives may contact Shri. Sadeesh Kumar K, I.R.S., Joint Commissioner at +91- 9711992462 for verification and official information.