New Delhi

Authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport have uncovered an alleged drug smuggling attempt after seizing 17.720 kg of suspected hydroponic weed from the baggage of an international passenger, officials said on Monday.

According to a Customs statement, a passenger who arrived in Delhi from Bangkok on May 12 had been placed under surveillance by officials at the airport. At the same time, another traveller arriving from Sharjah was flagged by officers while exiting through the green channel with a bag that reportedly did not carry a baggage tag.

During X-ray screening, officials detected suspicious images in the luggage, leading to a detailed inspection. Customs officers later recovered baggage tags from the second passenger during questioning and personal search.

Officials said the passenger allegedly admitted he had been asked to collect a bag that had been checked in under the name of the traveller arriving from Bangkok.

A subsequent search of the baggage resulted in the recovery of 17.720 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, including packaging material, concealed inside the bag, the statement said.

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The seized contraband has been confiscated under provisions of the Narcotics Control Bureau-linked NDPS framework, and further investigation is underway to determine whether more individuals were involved in the suspected smuggling network.