Authorities at Kempegowda International Airport seized 18.6 kilograms of cannabis valued at around ₹6.5 crore, in a major drug bust that highlights ongoing efforts to curb narcotics smuggling through international airports.
The seizure was made by officials of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs during a routine inspection of passengers arriving at the Bengaluru airport. According to authorities, the contraband was discovered concealed inside baggage in a carefully packed manner intended to evade detection during standard screening procedures.
Officials said the suspicious luggage was flagged during scanning, prompting a detailed physical inspection by customs officers. Upon opening the bags, authorities recovered multiple packets containing cannabis, weighing a total of 18.6 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized narcotics is approximately ₹6.5 crore.
A passenger suspected of attempting to smuggle the drugs has been detained for questioning. Authorities are investigating the individual’s travel history and possible links to international drug trafficking networks. Officials believe the consignment may have been intended for distribution through illegal drug markets in India.
The seized cannabis has been handed over for further legal procedures under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which deals with offences related to the production, possession and trafficking of narcotic substances. Violations under the law can attract severe penalties including long prison sentences and heavy fines.
Officials stated that international airports remain a key target for drug smuggling operations, with traffickers often attempting to conceal narcotics in luggage, cargo shipments or even personal belongings. However, improved scanning technology, intelligence inputs and increased vigilance have helped authorities intercept several such attempts in recent months.
Kempegowda International Airport, one of India’s busiest aviation hubs, handles a large volume of international and domestic passengers every day. Because of this high traffic, enforcement agencies regularly conduct targeted inspections to detect illegal activities including drug trafficking and currency smuggling.
Customs officials said investigations are continuing to determine whether the arrested passenger was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling network. Authorities are also examining the origin of the narcotics and the route used to transport them into the country.
The latest seizure underscores the ongoing crackdown by enforcement agencies to prevent narcotics from entering India through international travel routes, as authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and intelligence coordination at major airports across the country.
