Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Police Crime Branch has seized 12 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 11.67 crore in an international market crackdown. A 32-year-old Bengaluru resident, Gautam, has been arrested in connection with the case.
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This is the largest seizure of hydroponic marijuana in recent history, surpassing the Anti-Narcotic Cell’s previous 2-kg haul. The Crime Branch has charged Gautam under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
What is Hydroponic Marijuana?
– High-purity, chemical-free cannabis.
– Sells for Rs 50 lakh per kg
– Popular in Goa’s elite party circuit.
How the Drug Network Operated
🔹 Gautam smuggled the contraband from Thailand to Bengaluru via Nepal.
🔹 He arrived in Goa two weeks ago and rented two apartments in Guirim and Pernem.
🔹 Started distributing small samples to local peddlers to create a demand.
🔹 His activities were monitored by the Crime Branch, leading to his arrest.
🚨 Largest Drug Seizure in Recent History
– This bust surpasses the previous 2-kg hydroponic marijuana seizure by the Anti-Narcotic Cell.
– A case has been registered under the NDPS Act.
🔍 Earlier Crackdowns in Goa
📌 July 2024: A Russian DJ was arrested for running a narcotics lab.
📌 Seized: 1.7 kg hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 85 lakh + 300 gm of powder worth Rs 18 lakh.
📌 Drugs were sold via Telegram channels.
🌍 International Drug Trade & Indian Connection
– Hydroponic marijuana is widely grown in USA, Canada, Netherlands & Australia.
– Thai Sticks, a high-potency cannabis product, is being smuggled into India, especially New Delhi.
– Smugglers use couriers, social media, and dark web transactions.
✈️ July 2024: DRI’s Mumbai Unit Seized 5.35 kg Hydroponic Marijuana
– Worth Rs 5 crore, smuggled from Thailand.
– Hidden inside vacuum-sealed packets labeled with fruit names.
– Hydroponic marijuana is 50 times more potent than regular cannabis
