DRI Pune Seizes Hydroponic Weed and Hashish Worth Rs 10.3 Crore, Three Arrested
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 14th May 2025: In a major crackdown on international drug smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Pune, intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok and seized over 10 kg of narcotics, including hydroponic weed and hashish, worth ₹10.3 crore in the illicit market.
According to a press brief issued by DRI Pune, based on specific intelligence inputs, officers from the Mumbai Zonal Unit intercepted the passengers, both Indians and residents of Mumbai, at Pune airport on May 12. A detailed examination of their checked-in baggage led to the recovery of 11 airtight pouches containing 9,864 grams of a greenish, lumpy substance suspected to be hydroponic weed. The substance tested positive during field testing.
In a coordinated follow-up operation in Mumbai, DRI officials apprehended one of the suspected receivers or distributors. A search of his premises resulted in the seizure of an additional 478 grams of narcotics, including hashish and hydroponic weed.
The total narcotics haul stood at 10.3 kg, with an estimated market value of ₹10.3 crore. All three individuals have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. A court has remanded them to custody till 23rd May.
Further investigation into the smuggling network is currently underway.
