In a significant crackdown on international drug trafficking, authorities at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have seized approximately 64 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis, commonly known as hydroponic weed, from an incoming international flight. The narcotics were reportedly concealed in multiple locations inside the aircraft, including lavatories, beneath passenger seats, and within baggage compartments. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

The seizure is being regarded as one of the largest recoveries of hydroponic cannabis made at the airport in recent months. Investigating agencies believe the operation was part of a well-organized international smuggling network that employed sophisticated methods to transport narcotics into India while attempting to evade airport security checks.

According to officials, the suspicious consignment was detected during a detailed inspection conducted after intelligence inputs indicated the possibility of drug trafficking through the flight. Security personnel carried out an extensive search of the aircraft, examining passenger areas, overhead baggage sections, lavatories, and other concealed spaces.

During the operation, officers discovered several carefully wrapped packets containing hydroponic cannabis. The narcotics had been strategically hidden inside aircraft lavatories, under passenger seats, and in baggage storage areas in an apparent attempt to avoid detection during routine inspections.

Following the recovery, investigators launched an immediate inquiry to identify those involved in the smuggling operation. Based on preliminary evidence and questioning, three suspects were detained and later formally arrested for their alleged involvement in transporting and concealing the drugs.

Officials stated that the total weight of the recovered hydroponic weed was around 64 kilograms. Due to its high concentration of psychoactive compounds and premium market value, hydroponic cannabis is considered significantly more expensive than conventional cannabis. Its growing demand has made it a preferred choice for organized drug trafficking syndicates operating across international borders.

Investigators suspect that the seizure is linked to a larger transnational narcotics network. Agencies are now working to determine the origin of the consignment, identify its intended recipients in India, and establish whether similar smuggling attempts have previously succeeded using comparable concealment techniques.

Authorities are also examining travel records, communication details, passenger movements, and other evidence collected during the investigation. Digital devices and relevant documents seized from the arrested individuals are being analyzed to uncover possible links with other members of the alleged trafficking syndicate.

Officials emphasized that airports remain a major target for international drug traffickers, prompting security agencies to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and screening procedures. Specialized teams regularly monitor high-risk routes and flights to prevent narcotics from entering the country.

The arrested individuals are expected to face legal proceedings under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which prescribes stringent punishment for the illegal possession, transportation, and trafficking of commercial quantities of prohibited narcotic substances.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as they continue to trace the wider network behind the attempted drug smuggling operation.