PUNE – In a major drug smuggling bust, officials from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Pune Customs arrested a man at Pune International Airport on Tuesday after seizing high-grade hydroponic marijuana valued at ₹6.12 Crore on the illicit market.
Authorities said Atul Sushil Hiwale was intercepted after his behaviour raised suspicions during a routine screening. A thorough inspection of his check-in trolley bag led to the discovery of 6,119 grams of hydroponic cannabis, a potent and expensive strain of marijuana cultivated using a soil-free method.
String of Bangkok Drug Links
This is the third incident in just one month involving narcotics recovered from passengers arriving in India from Bangkok, pointing to a potential pattern or smuggling network. Officials are investigating possible international links and whether Hiwale acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate.
A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Hiwale has been taken into judicial custody following a magistrate's order, and further investigation is ongoing.
Authorities have stepped up vigilance at Indian airports, especially for flights arriving from Southeast Asia, amid concerns over the growing trend of international drug trafficking.