Mangaluru (Karnataka): Security officials at Mangaluru International Airport detained a passenger arriving from Mumbai on Monday evening after finding around 500 grams of hydroponic ganja in his checked-in baggage.
According to officials from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the passenger has been identified as Shankar Narayan Poddar, who arrived on an IndiGo flight that landed at 6:10 pm. Acting on a specific tip-off, the CISF Crime and Intelligence Wing (CIW) team detained the individual for questioning soon after his arrival.
During the inspection, security personnel discovered approximately 512 grams of hydroponic ganja, a high-grade variety of cannabis cultivated using hydroponic technology — a soil-less method that enhances potency and quality.
NCB and local police informed
Following the recovery, officials promptly informed the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Bengaluru and the local police authorities. The passenger and the confiscated substance were subsequently handed over to the Bajpe Police Station for further legal proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Airport security has been on heightened alert in recent months following multiple drug-related cases at southern airports. Officials said that such seizures highlight the continued attempts by individuals to smuggle narcotics through domestic air routes, particularly high-value synthetic or hydroponic variants.
Continued vigilance at Mangaluru airport
CISF officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict surveillance at Mangaluru airport, noting that their teams regularly conduct random checks and intelligence-based monitoring of passenger movements and baggage to curb illegal activities.
The authorities have also urged passengers to refrain from carrying any prohibited substances and warned that strict legal action will follow in all cases involving narcotics.
The Bajpe Police have initiated an investigation to determine the source and intended recipient of the contraband. Further inquiries are underway to ascertain whether the accused was part of a larger drug trafficking network.