₹26.8 crore worth hydroponic marijuana seized at Pune Airport in major 2026 drug bust
In a major crackdown in 2026, customs officials seized hydroponic marijuana worth ₹26.8 crore at Pune International Airport, arresting one individual in connection with the case.
The incident took place late night when officials intercepted a suspicious passenger arriving from an international destination. Upon inspection, authorities discovered a large quantity of hydroponic cannabis concealed inside luggage, indicating a well-planned smuggling attempt.
“This is one of the biggest hydroponic marijuana seizures at Pune Airport in recent times,” said Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Pune Customs. He added that the operation highlights increasing attempts to use Pune as a transit point for high-value narcotics.
The accused, a 32-year-old male, has been taken into custody and booked under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials confirmed that the seized hydroponic marijuana is of premium quality, often linked to international drug networks.
Authorities suspect that the consignment may be part of a larger syndicate operating across multiple cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru. Further investigation is underway in 2026 to identify additional links and possible accomplices involved in the smuggling chain.
For Pune residents, this seizure raises concerns about the city increasingly being targeted as a hub for drug trafficking, especially through international routes connected to Pune Airport.
Officials stated that surveillance and passenger profiling at Pune International Airport will be further intensified in 2026 to prevent such incidents. More arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
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