TRINATH MOHANTY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar has emerged as a major transit point for smuggling foreign marijuana, with enforcement agencies seizing contraband worth over Rs 300 crore and arresting 40 people in the past two years.
According to officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), marijuana has been intercepted at the airport on 30 occasions during the period.
However, the agency has yet to reach the alleged master mind operating from Bangkok.
Smugglers are reportedly exploiting perceived security lapses at the airport and adopting innovative methods to transport narcotics.
Sources alleged that security arrangements at Bhubaneswar airport are comparatively less stringent than those at airports in other states, making it an attractive route for international drug traffickers.
Despite repeated seizures by the DRI and Customs department, several consignments are suspected to have escaped detection.
Drug trafficking networks are increasingly using women as couriers to transport marijuana.
Sources alleged that smugglers take advantage of perceived gaps in passenger screening to move contraband through the airport.
DRI officials said marijuana worth more than Rs 300 crore had been seized in 30 separate interceptions over the past two years, leading to the arrest of 40 people allegedly involved in trafficking.
January 7, 2025, enforcement officials seized marijuana valued at approximately Rs 9.52 crore from two women passengers.
The contraband was concealed in carry bags.
In another major operation July 30, 2025, marijuana worth Rs 30 crore was seized from two passengers.
Aug. 2, 2025, officials intercepted a passenger carrying marijuana worth Rs 10 crore.
The contraband had been concealed inside food packets in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Similarly, March 24 this year, the DRI intercepted two passengers arriving from Bangkok with marijuana worth Rs 6 crore.
January 3, a passenger was arrested after marijuana valued at Rs 8 crore was seized from a Bangkok-Bhubaneswar flight.
Investigations have revealed that several consignments originated in Bangkok.
Smugglers have been concealing marijuana in packets resembling chocolates, biscuits and other food products.
Secret compartments are also being created in the bottom of trolley bags to transport the contraband.
Sources said only a small number of smugglers are intercepted, while many others manage to evade detection.
The repeated seizures have raised concerns over the airport’s growing use as a transit route for international drug trafficking.
Identifying the overseas suppliers and the individuals receiving the contraband in India remains a major challenge for investigators.
Despite repeated arrests and seizures, the DRI has yet to establish the identities of the key operators behind the international smuggling network.