Hydroponic Marijuana Seizure: DRI Arrests Three Indian Nationals in Pune

Strategic Insights -

As part of a massive crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested three Indian nationals in Pune, who were found to be in possession of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 10.3 crore. The DRI sleuths seized the contraband from two passengers who arrived at the Pune International Airport from Bangkok, and also arrested another suspected distributor from Mumbai in a follow-up action. This is not the first case of hydroponic marijuana seizure from Pune, with previous instances including the arrest of a 26-year-old BBA graduate in April, who was found with a high-value strain of marijuana grown using the hydroponics technique.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DRI has arrested three Indian nationals, all from Mumbai, for allegedly possessing hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 10.3 crore.
  • The contraband, weighing over 9.8 kilograms, was seized from two passengers who arrived at the Pune International Airport from Bangkok.
  • The seized substances tested positive in a field test kit and were valued at Rs 10.3 crore.
  • Another suspected distributor from Mumbai was also arrested in a follow-up action.
  • The accuses are allegedly involved in a multi-state cartel with overseas links.
  • The previous instances of hydroponic marijuana seizure in Pune include the arrest of a 26-year-old BBA graduate in April.
  • In another incident, three college graduates were arrested in December for possessing psychedelic drugs, mephedrone, and a high-quality strain of ganja.

Statistics:

  • Rs 10.3 crore: The approximate value of the seized hydroponic marijuana.
  • 9.8 kilograms: The weight of the seized hydroponic marijuana.
  • 500g: The amount of hashish and hydroponic weed seized from the distributor's possession.

Sources:

  • "Hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 10.3 crore seized from two passengers at Pune airport" by Express News Service, The Indian Express.
  • "Pune: 3 arrested for possessing Rs 3 lakh worth marijuana" by IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., The Indian Express.
  • "Pune: Anti-Narcotics cell arrests 3 for possessing Rs 17 lakh worth drugs" by IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., The Indian Express.
  • "August 2023: DRI seizes Rs 100 crore worth banned sedative from Maharashtra" by IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., The Indian Express.