DRI Pune Seizes Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹10.3 Crore, Arrests Three Individuals

DRI Pune Seizes ₹10.3 Crore Worth of Narcotics, Arrests Three in Hydroponic Weed Trafficking Case

PUNE, May 12 — Pune unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has achieved a major success in its anti-narcotics drive by intercepting two passengers from Bangkok at Pune Airport and confiscating a large shipment of narcotics. The operation resulted in the seizure of around 9.864 kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed worth an estimated ₹10.3 crore in the market.

Acting on intel, DRI officials searched the baggage of both passengers and detected 11 hermetically-sealed pouches filled with greenish, granular material. Field tests, which were administered on the substance seized, attested to the presence of narcotic substances which were suspected to be hydroponic weed. The seizure was a severe set-back to organized drug trafficking outfits in the region.

In a synchronized follow-up operation in Mumbai, agents arrested one of the alleged receivers or distributors of the confiscated consignment. During a search made at his house, the agents recovered another 478 grams of illicit drugs, which were comprised of hashish and hydroponic weed. This link indicates a larger syndicate engaged in the distribution of such illegal drugs.

Together, the seizures are worth about 10.3 kilograms of narcotics, whose estimated illegal market value is ₹10.3 crore. The three individuals—the two Bangkok passengers and the Mumbai-based distributor—have been arrested under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The network is still being probed by the authorities to take down the whole trafficking operation and stop further smuggling attempts.

This action highlights the continued efforts of police authorities to fight against drug trafficking and protect public health and safety.