CHENNAI: Customs officials seized 10.7 kg of hydroponic ganja valued at Rs 10.7 crore, which was smuggled in from Thailand, and arrested two passengers at Chennai airport.

The customs officials were monitoring passengers who arrived from Bangkok at midnight on Tuesday. The officers grew suspicious of two men, aged 26 and 28, from Kollam district in Kerala. The duo had travelled to Thailand as tourists and returned on the same flight.

During questioning, the two passengers gave evasive replies. Following this, the officers inspected their baggage and found several processed food packets. Upon closer inspection, the packets had hydroponic ganja concealed. A total of 10.7 kg of hydroponic ganja was recovered from their luggage. The contraband's estimated international market value is Rs 10.7 crore. The two men were arrested, and the drugs were seized.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused were working as drug couriers for an international trafficking network, transporting narcotics in exchange for payment based on the value of the contraband. Customs officials are now investigating who the consignment was meant for in Chennai and attempting to identify local contacts linked to the international smuggling racket.