Delhi Customs officers have arrested three passengers arriving from Bangkok and Phuket after seizing 6.37kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The suspected drugs were found in three separate cases, concealed in aircraft lavatories, beneath seats and inside a passenger's baggage. Officials said that all three arrests followed Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling. Hydroponic cannabis is a high-potency form of the drug cultivated in nutrient-rich water rather than soil. Cannabis hidden in aircraft lavatories and seats In the largest seizure, an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok was stopped after passing through the Green Channel. Officers found nothing suspicious in the passenger's baggage, but searched the aircraft and discovered four sealed packets in the two rear lavatories. The packets contained 3.47kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis, according to Customs. The passenger later admitted concealing them in the lavatories, officials said. A second passenger, arriving from Phuket was also intercepted through APIS profiling. After finding no contraband in the luggage, officers searched the aircraft and found six sealed packets beneath seats in Row 12. The packages contained about 1.5kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis, including packaging. Delhi Customs said the passenger admitted hiding them beneath the seats. Bangkok passenger held over baggage haul The third case involved another Indian passenger who arrived from Bangkok and had also crossed the Green Channel. During X-ray screening, Customs officers identified suspicious images in the passenger's baggage. A search uncovered two vacuum-sealed packets containing around 1.4kg of suspected hydroponic cannabis. All three passengers were arrested under Section 43(b) of India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The suspected cannabis was seized under Section 43(a), while investigations continue into links to staff at the airport, believed to be involved in the assisting two of the suspects. For foreign residents, tourists and other travellers departing Thailand, the cases underline the risks of carrying cannabis across an international border. Products may be bought or used legally in some circumstances within Thailand, but travellers should not assume they can take them abroad. Thailand has repeatedly warned that cannabis and cannabis products cannot be taken out of the country without permission. This applies whether items are in checked bags, cabin luggage or concealed elsewhere on an aircraft. Travellers should check both Thai export rules and the laws at their destination before flying. India has strict narcotics legislation, and this case also shows that passenger information can be used for pre-arrival customs screening. Pictures courtesy of Delhi Customs Join the discussion? 16 July 2026
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