4 Arrested at Pune Airport for Smuggling Hydroponic Cannabis from Bangkok
Pune, 2nd September 2025: The Customs Department has arrested 4 passengers at Pune International Airport for attempting to smuggle hydroponic cannabis from Bangkok. Officials seized a total of 13.725 kilograms of the narcotic, valued at crores of rupees in the international market.
The arrested individuals include Alia Ilyas Ansari (24), Mohammad Kaif Ansari (23, resident of Sonajinagar, Mumbra), Zahidhussain Sheikh (29, resident of Killa Pardi, Valsad district, Gujarat), and Zaibunisa Amin Sheikh (46, resident of Dhanani Nagar Road, Boisar, Palghar district).
According to Customs officials, the accused Ansari and Sheikh arrived on a flight from Bangkok. Four of them were seen attempting to leave the airport when the Customs team became suspicious. Upon checking their luggage, officials detected a strong odor emanating from the bags. A detailed inspection revealed 26 airtight packets containing processed hydroponic cannabis.
Further investigation revealed that Zaibunisa Sheikh was waiting outside the airport. She had reportedly entrusted the others with bringing the cannabis from Bangkok. She was subsequently detained by the Customs team.
A case has been registered against the accused under the NDPS Act.
The seized hydroponic cannabis, cultivated in a controlled environment, commands a significantly higher price than regular cannabis. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody, with the investigation being led by Customs (Air Intelligence Unit) officer Prince Kumar.
Officials have also highlighted that incidents of hydroponic cannabis smuggling into the city have been on the rise.
