Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is increasingly being used as a transit hub by international drug syndicates, with a sharp rise in the smuggling of heroin and high-potency hydroponic weed through global routes.
According to Airport Customs data, 33 drug trafficking cases were registered at the airport between 2024 and February 2026, leading to 34 arrests and the seizure of nearly 170 kg of narcotics. Enforcement agencies have expressed concern over the rapid rise in cases. While only five cases were reported in 2024, the number increased to 21 in 2025. In the first 40 days of 2026 alone, seven cases have already been booked, resulting in eight arrests and the seizure of 26 kg of drugs.
Heroin worth ₹47 crore seized
On February 10, Customs officials seized heroin worth ₹47 crore from a Chennai-based passenger who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, marking the biggest heroin seizure involving a single carrier at the airport in the past five years.
Smuggling pattern identified
Officials said intelligence gathered over the past two years indicates growing activity by organised drug networks using Ahmedabad as a transit point. Syndicate members from Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra have been arrested, with many consignments originating from Bangkok and routed through multiple countries using concealed methods. Hydroponic weed, legally cultivated in some countries such as Thailand, is also being smuggled into India due to high black-market demand.
Hydroponic cannabis, grown using nutrient-rich water instead of soil, contains significantly higher levels of THC, the intoxicating compound, making it highly sought after despite being illegal in India.
Agencies step up surveillance
In response to the increasing smuggling attempts, Customs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) have intensified surveillance, coordination and intelligence sharing at the airport. Officials said new high-tech scanning systems installed last year are helping detect concealed drugs and other contraband more effectively.