A MALAYSIAN has been arrested by Indian authorities after allegedly attempting to smuggle 4.033kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis through Chennai International Airport.
The arrest was made by officers from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Chennai Customs after the suspect arrived from Bangkok on Friday night and was selected for inspection based on passenger profiling.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly attempted to leave through the Green Channel without making any declaration to Customs.
An X-ray scan of the passenger’s checked luggage subsequently detected suspicious images, prompting officers to conduct a detailed inspection.
The search uncovered four packages containing greenish, compact substances with a strong and pungent odour, concealed in a compartment at the bottom of the luggage.
The material had a net weight of 4,033 grammes and tested positive for cannabis, or marijuana, using a narcotics detection kit.
Chennai Customs seized the contraband under Section 43(a) of India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.
The Malaysian suspect was subsequently arrested and brought before a court, which remanded the individual in judicial custody.
Indian authorities are continuing investigations to identify any wider network or other parties who may have been involved in the alleged attempt to smuggle the prohibited substance. - August 11, 2026
