DRI Tightens Grip on Hydroponic Weed Smuggling in Major Busts

In a major crackdown under 'Operation Weed Out', the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized significant quantities of hydroponic cannabis, arresting multiple individuals involved. The operations spanned various Indian cities, reinforcing government's anti-drug stance.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has made a substantial seizure of hydroponic weed totaling 39.2 kg at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, according to the Ministry of Finance. The operation, conducted between September 13 and 14, 2025, led to the arrest of three individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Following targeted intelligence, DRI officials intercepted two Indian nationals arriving from Bangkok. Upon thorough inspection of their luggage, officials discovered 39 packets totaling 39.2 kg of hydroponic cannabis, resulting in the immediate arrest of the intended recipient. In a related case, DRI intercepted a separate smuggling attempt of 7.8 kg of hydroponic weed from Bangkok to Mumbai, apprehending two passengers under similar provisions.

During a comprehensive enforcement drive from August 26 to September 12, 2025, DRI officials seized an additional 61.67 kg of hydroponic cannabis across several Indian cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Kolkata. These actions underscore a sharp rise in smuggling attempts of hydroponic weed from Thailand, as the DRI intensifies efforts against such drug syndicates in alignment with India's vision for a Nasha Mukt Bharat. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)