CHENNAI— A Malaysian passenger was detained at Chennai International Airport (MAA) after Indian Customs officials allegedly discovered 4,033 grams of suspected high-grade hydroponic cannabis in checked baggage.
The passenger had arrived from Bangkok (BKK) on August 7 and was reportedly stopped before leaving the airport.
Chennai Customs said its Air Intelligence Unit intercepted the passenger following a passenger-profiling exercise. An X-ray scan of the checked luggage reportedly showed suspicious images, prompting officers to conduct a detailed physical examination of the bag.
Cannabis Found in Checked Baggage at Chennai Airport
During the inspection, Customs officers allegedly found four packages containing a greenish, lumpy substance with a strong odour. The packages had been concealed inside a specially constructed compartment at the bottom of the checked suitcase, according to the authorities.
Officials used a drug detection kit to examine the substance, which reportedly returned a positive result for cannabis.
The seized material had a total weight of 4,033 grams, making the case one of the latest cannabis-related seizures involving an international passenger at the airport.
The concealment method allowed the packages to remain hidden within the luggage structure rather than being placed among the passenger’s visible belongings.
The discovery followed the initial X-ray screening, demonstrating how baggage imaging can lead to further inspections when officers identify unusual patterns.
NDPS Act Applied Under Indian Law
Indian Customs seized the suspected cannabis under Section 43(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, The Sun reported.
The law provides the legal framework for action against prohibited narcotic substances, including their unlawful possession, transportation and importation.
The passenger was detained after Customs officers completed the inspection and seizure process. Further action in the case will be handled under India’s applicable narcotics and customs procedures.
The case also highlights the role of airport security and customs teams in monitoring international passenger traffic.
Chennai International Airport is a major gateway for international travel to and from southern India, making customs screening an important part of efforts to prevent prohibited substances from entering the country.
Hydroponic Cannabis Explained in Simple Terms
Hydroponic cannabis is grown without traditional soil, with plants receiving nutrients through a water-based growing system. Cultivation can take place indoors under controlled conditions involving factors such as lighting, temperature, and humidity.
Authorities in India have reported several recent seizures involving suspected hydroponic cannabis at airports.
Earlier cases at Chennai airport also involved the substance being concealed inside checked luggage, showing that traffickers have used different forms of concealment to move prohibited drugs through air travel.
The latest seizure involved more than four kilograms of suspected cannabis and resulted from a combination of passenger profiling, X-ray screening and detailed baggage inspection.
Customs officials continue to monitor international arrivals as part of wider efforts to intercept narcotics before they enter the country.
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