In a significant operation at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 400 kg of hydroponic ganja, valued at approximately Rs 40 crore. The contraband was discovered in the luggage of a woman passenger, leading to her immediate arrest. The arrest occurred on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Based on an official release, the NCB successfully intercepted the large quantity of drugs. Details regarding the woman's identity, flight origin, and intended destination have not yet been disclosed by authorities.

This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking through airports. The NCB is currently investigating the case to determine the woman's role in the larger drug network and to identify other individuals who may be involved.

The use of hydroponic ganja is also notable. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. This method can produce high-quality cannabis, which may be more potent and valuable.

This is not the first time that a large quantity of hydroponic ganja has been seized at the Hyderabad airport. In March 2025, customs officials arrested another woman arriving from Bangkok and seized 5.43 kg of hydroponic weed, worth Rs 5.4 crore, that was concealed in her check-in baggage. These successive seizures indicate that the Hyderabad airport may be a transit point for drug trafficking.

The arrested woman has been remanded to judicial custody, and further investigations are underway. The NCB is working to dismantle the network and prevent future attempts to smuggle drugs through the airport.