Customs Officials Seize 13.83 kg of Hydroponic Weed Worth Rs 13.83 Crore

Strategic Insights -

Customs officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok, seizing a total of 13.83 kg of suspected hydroponic weed. The substance, valued at approximately Rs 13.83 crore, was concealed inside checked-in trolley bags carried by the passengers. The seizure is believed to be a result of the increasing demand for hydroponic weed in India, which is grown without soil and contains around 30 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), leading to stronger psychoactive effects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two passengers arriving from Bangkok were arrested for attempting to smuggle 13.83 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 13.83 crore into India.
  • The hydroponic weed was concealed inside checked-in trolley bags carried by the passengers.
  • The substance contains around 30 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), leading to stronger psychoactive effects.
  • The demand for hydroponic weed has increased in India, particularly among the upper-middle class, due to its higher potency.
  • Hydroponic weed is more expensive than traditional ganja and is in high demand for its stronger psychoactive effects.
  • The use of hydroponic weed is legal in Thailand, which may be contributing to the rise in smuggling of the substance into India.
  • Customs officials have intercepted several cases of hydroponic weed smuggling from Thailand in recent times.
  • The illicit market value of hydroponic weed is significantly higher than that of traditional ganja.

Statistics:

  • 13.83 kg of hydroponic weed was seized from two passengers arriving from Bangkok.
  • The substance is valued at approximately Rs 13.83 crore in the illicit market.
  • 2 kg of hydroponic weed was recovered from the first passenger.
  • 11.83 kg of hydroponic weed was recovered from the second passenger.
  • The substance contains around 30 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
  • Hydroponic weed is 30 times more potent than regular marijuana.

Sources:

  • IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd.
  • Contify.com