Hydroponic Marijuana Worth Rs 10.5 Crore Seized at Pune Airport; Passenger from Bangkok Arrested
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 25th July 2025: In a major drug bust, Pune Customs officials at the Pune International Airport seized over 10 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic marijuana, also known as “hydro weed”, from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok.
The accused, identified as Abhinay Amarnath Yadav, was intercepted on July 24 after officers noticed suspicious behaviour upon his arrival on IndiGo flight 6E-1096. A thorough examination of his baggage led to the recovery of 10.47 kg of hydroponic weed, a potent variant of marijuana cultivated using advanced water-based techniques.
Customs authorities estimate the value of the contraband at approximately ₹10.5 crore in the illicit market.
A case has been registered against Yadav under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and he has been placed under arrest. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and possible links to international drug syndicates.
Hydroponic marijuana has gained notoriety in recent years due to its high potency and rising demand among affluent users in metro cities, prompting increased vigilance by Indian authorities at airports and cargo hubs.
