DRI seizes over six crore hydroponic weed at Bagdogra Airport; two arrested

Siliguri, 22nd April: In a major crackdown on international drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized hydroponic weed worth ₹6.67 crore at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri and arrested two accused.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rajiv Kumar Handa and Avtar Kumar Singh, both residents of Punjab. According to sources, both had travelled to Bangkok and allegedly smuggled the contraband in small packets concealed inside trolley bags via air route, with plans to distribute it in Siliguri.

Acting on prior intelligence, DRI officials intensified surveillance at the airport and began screening suspicious passengers. During checking, the two accused who arrived from Bangkok came under suspicion. A search of their luggage led to the recovery of 17 packets.

Upon examination, the seized substance was confirmed to be hydroponic weed, weighing a total of 6.67 kg. Its estimated value in the international market is around ₹6.67 crore.

The accused have been arrested under the NDPS Act and produced before a Siliguri court, which remanded them to 14 days of judicial custody.

DRI counsel Ratan Banik stated that hydroponic weed is an advanced form of cannabis cultivated using water and chemicals instead of traditional soil methods, making it significantly more expensive.

The defence, however, claimed that the accused have been falsely implicated and have no connection to the case. Further investigation is currently underway.