Major bid to smuggle hybrid ganja foiled at Cial

Kochi: The customs air intelligence unit at Cochin International Airport Ltd (Cial) foiled a major attempt to smuggle hybrid ganja from Thailand. The seized ganja was of high quality and was estimated at over Rs 7.4 crore.

Three passengers, who arrived on flight FD 170, were intercepted at the exit gate on suspicion on Wednesday, said officials. A detailed examination of their checked-in baggage resulted in the recovery of the contraband, which was cleverly packed inside the bags, said an official. A total of 14.9kg of the contraband was seized from them.

Three cases were registered against Mohammed Shakeer of Kozhikode, Nisamudheen of Ernakulam and Jamsheer of Malappuram under the NDPS Act. They were produced before court and remanded in judicial custody.

According to officials, hybrid cannabis consists of carefully selected strains of ganja grown in a controlled atmosphere using techniques like hydroponics. It is cultivated using air-conditioning and artificial lighting. This type of ganja is mostly imported from countries like Thailand.

The seizure of ganja leads to remand if the quantity is considered commercial, i.e. over 1kg. However, this kind of ganja is so potent that even a small amount can have the effect of a commercial quantity of regular ganja. It is sold claiming to be safer compared to synthetic drugs, sources said.