Surat: In a joint operation, Customs and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized ganja worth about ₹8-9 crore from flights arriving from Bangkok at Surat airport, uncovering a new smuggling modus operandi in which contraband was hidden beneath and behind aircraft seats for onward delivery in Delhi.

During checks this week, officials recovered a total of 8 kg of ganja, 6 kg from one flight and 2 kg from another, after crew members grew suspicious on noticing disturbed seat fittings and concealed bags left inside the aircraft after passengers had disembarked.

Investigations revealed that the narcotics were intended to be collected in Delhi by unidentified handlers once the aircraft continued its journey. Authorities have arrested four accused, namly Pravin Karamveer, Pradeep Bhan, Vikram Bukal, and Anshul Gupta in connection with the case booking them under NDPS Act.

Officials said the concealment technique mirrors methods portrayed in a recent crime web series, indicating evolving smuggling strategies. DeshGujarat