The arrests were made by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the Customs Department during separate operations at the airport. Investigators suspect that an organised international network is using financially vulnerable individuals from neighbouring countries such as Bhutan as couriers to transport drug consignments across international borders.
In the first operation, customs officials intercepted a Bhutanese passenger identified as Tshege, who had arrived from Bangkok, on suspicion. A detailed search of his luggage led to the recovery of seven vacuum-sealed packets concealed inside commercial chocolate wrappers. The officials seized a total of 1,452 grams of cannabis from his baggage.
During questioning, the passenger allegedly disclosed that he had been lured into the illegal activity with promises of earning quick and easy money. After recording his statement under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, customs officials arrested him.
Following the first seizure, the AIU intercepted another Bhutanese national, Tashi Tenzin, who had also arrived from Bangkok. A search of his luggage revealed approximately 1,500 grams of cannabis concealed inside seven chocolate carton boxes. He was also arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the consignment.
Customs officials suspect that a larger international drug trafficking network may be operating behind the two cases. Preliminary investigations indicate that the alleged syndicate is offering financial incentives to citizens of neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and recruiting them as couriers to transport drug consignments from one country to another.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: Pune Customs officials at Pune International Airport seized 10.642 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at approximately Rs 3.72 crore, from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The contraband was concealed in nine vacuum-sealed packets labelled as 'Freeze Dried Monthong Durian' and hidden among commercial food items, including noodle packets, inside the passenger's check-in baggage. The accused has been arrested under the NDPS Act and remanded to judicial custody till November 18. Further investigation is underway to bust the international smuggling syndicate. (Source: Pune Customs)
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2026
Investigators are now focusing on identifying the individuals who handed over the cannabis consignments to the arrested passengers and determining who was supposed to receive the drugs in India. The roles of other individuals potentially linked to the network are also under investigation.
The recovery of nearly three kilograms of cannabis through two separate interceptions has brought the alleged cross-border trafficking operation under the Customs Department's scrutiny, with investigators working to establish the supply chain and identify other people involved in the network.
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