Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seizes 12.7 kg high-grade hydroponic cannabis worth ₹12.7 crore at Lucknow airport — 3 held

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Posted by TGANB-Admin on 2025-12-04 06:33:01 |

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On December 3, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a major drug-interdiction at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, seizing 12.7 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis estimated to be worth ₹12.7 crore in the illicit market. The drugs were discovered in the checked-in luggage of three Indian nationals arriving from Thailand via Flight FD-146. The cannabis was vacuum-sealed and hidden, indicative of sophisticated smuggling methods designed to bypass standard airport security checks.

Upon inspection and field-testing, officials confirmed that the seized substance was hydroponic cannabis — a potent variant cultivated without soil under controlled indoor conditions, often associated with high THC yield. All three individuals have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS). This seizure is part of a string of recent interceptions at the Lucknow airport, and DRI officials said it underscores the growing trend of using international flight routes to smuggle premium narcotics into India.

Authorities are investigating to trace the source — possibly overseas suppliers — and map the distribution network within India. The arrested suspects are being interrogated, and customs is coordinating with other enforcement agencies to unearth potential complicity or repeat offenders. The operation is being hailed as one of the largest cannabis busts at the Lucknow airport in recent months.

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