Six Indian Passengers Arrested at Delhi IGI Airport for Smuggling Marijuana Worth ₹48 Crore

New Delhi | December 17, 2025 Six Indian nationals were arrested by the customs department at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large quantity of marijuana into the country. The arrest took place after officials recovered over 48 kilograms of the banned drug, valued at nearly ₹48 crore in the illegal market. According to customs officials, the six men arrived at IGI Airport’s Terminal 3 from Bangkok and were intercepted on December 11 while passing through the Green Channel, which is meant for passengers with nothing to declare. Acting on suspicion, officers stopped the group for a detailed check of their luggage. During the examination, officials found 24 polythene pouches hidden inside four trolley bags carried by the passengers. The pouches contained a green-coloured substance that was suspected to be ganja, also known as marijuana. The total net weight of the seized substance was found to be 48.02 kilograms. A customs official said that preliminary drug testing was conducted on the seized material, and the results indicated that the substance was indeed ganja or marijuana. Based on current market estimates, the total value of the contraband was assessed at approximately ₹48.01 crore. The six passengers were taken into custody on December 12 and were booked under multiple sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. These include Section 20, which deals with punishment for offences related to cannabis; Section 23, which covers illegal import and export of narcotic drugs; and Section 29, which relates to criminal conspiracy and abetment. Officials confirmed that the arrests were made under Section 43(b) of the NDPS Act, which allows authorities to arrest individuals found in possession of narcotic drugs in public places without a warrant. The seized marijuana and the materials used to conceal it were taken into custody under Section 43(a) of the same law. “The passengers were intercepted at the Green Channel after their arrival from Bangkok. A thorough search led to the recovery of 24 polythene pouches concealed inside their trolley bags,” a senior customs official said. “The substance tested positive for ganja, and all legal procedures were followed during the seizure and arrest.” The identities of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed so far, as the investigation is still ongoing. Officials are now trying to determine whether the six men were acting on their own or were part of a larger drug smuggling network. Authorities are also looking into the source of the narcotics and the intended destination of the consignment within India. Customs officials stated that further investigation is underway to uncover more details, including possible links to international drug syndicates. They added that the case highlights continued efforts by airport authorities to crack down on drug trafficking through international routes. IGI Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, and officials have said that strict surveillance and intelligence-based checks are regularly carried out to prevent smuggling activities. Despite this, smugglers continue to attempt new methods to bypass security, making vigilance crucial. The arrested men are expected to be produced before a court, where further legal proceedings will take place. If convicted, they could face severe punishment under the NDPS Act, which carries strict penalties for drug-related offences. Customs authorities reiterated that investigations are ongoing and more arrests or disclosures may follow as the case develops. Six Indian Passengers Arrested at Delhi IGI Airport for Smuggling Marijuana Worth ₹48 Crore Six Indian nationals were arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport after customs officials recovered a huge quantity of marijuana worth nearly ₹48 crore. The arrests took place at Terminal 3 when the passengers arrived from Bangkok and attempted to exit through the Green Channel, which is meant for travelers carrying no dutiable or restricted items. According to officials, the men were intercepted on December 11 based on suspicion. A detailed check of their luggage led to the discovery of 24 polythene pouches hidden inside four trolley bags. These pouches contained a green-colored substance suspected to be ganja or marijuana. The total net weight of the seized contraband was 48.02 kilograms. Preliminary drug tests confirmed that the substance was marijuana. Customs officials said the approximate market value of the seized drugs is ₹48.01 crore. All six passengers were arrested on December 12 under Section 43(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The narcotic substance and the materials used to hide it were seized under Section 43(a) of the Act. The accused have been booked under Sections 20, 23, and 29 of the NDPS Act. These sections deal with offences related to cannabis, illegal import of narcotic substances, and criminal conspiracy. Officials have not revealed the identities of the arrested men as the investigation is still underway. Authorities are now trying to find out where the drugs came from, who was supposed to receive them in India, and whether the accused are part of a larger international smuggling network. Customs officials said further investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge in the coming days. The case once again highlights the constant efforts by airport authorities to prevent drug smuggling through international routes and the strict action taken against those involved in such crimes.