Ahmedabad: A sniffer dog deployed by Customs at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport played a key role in foiling a drug smuggling attempt, leading to the seizure of 10.9 kg of hydroponic marijuana with an estimated illicit market value of over Rs 10 crore, officials said.

The contraband was recovered from the checked-in baggage of a 20-year-old passenger from Junagadh who had arrived on an international flight from Bangkok.

According to officials, the customs sniffer dog alerted officers during the baggage screening process, prompting a closer inspection. Using the baggage tag, officers from the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) identified and intercepted the passenger.

The hydroponic marijuana was concealed in five silver polythene packets. A field test confirmed the seized greenish substance to be marijuana. The narcotics have been seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is in progress. DeshGujarat