The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers of Chennai Customs had foiled attempts to smuggle narcotic drugs, gold, and foreign currency through Chennai International Airport last week.

The coordinated interceptions led to the seizure of over nine kilograms of ganja (cannabis), 594 grams of gold, and foreign currency worth ₹51.40 lakhs.

The officers intercepted an Indian male passenger who had arrived from Bangkok  in the early hours of Wednesday. On examination of his checked-in baggage, officers recovered 12 vacuum-sealed black plastic packets concealed among food and cloth items. 

About 12 transparent inner packets containing green flowering/fruiting tops were found. Further testing confirmed the substance to be ganja. About 7.47 kg of contraband was seized, and the passenger was arrested.

On Tuesday, another Indian man who had arrived from Bangkok was intercepted. Detailed inspection and testing led to the recovery of 1.9 kg of flowering/fruiting tops, which tested positive for ganja.

Two arrested

Further investigation led to the identification and interception of a man waiting outside the airport to collect the baggage. Both  of them were arrested.

The Customs seized a total of 594 grams of gold valued at ₹52 lakh and foreign and Indian currencies equivalent to ₹51.4 lakh during checks on Monday and Sunday respectively.