Surat, November 20: The Surat Crime Branch has successfully thwarted a sophisticated smuggling attempt by seizing a total of 8.887 kilograms of hybrid ganja, also known as hydro weed, from a passenger arriving from Bangkok at the Surat Airport. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth over Rs 3.11 crore in the international market. The smuggler had employed a high-tech method to conceal the narcotics by creating a secret false bottom in his luggage and utilizing carbon paper to evade detection by airport scanners.
The operation commenced on November 17, 2025, following specific intelligence received by the Crime Branch regarding a passenger named Zafar Khan, alias Zafar Mobilewala, a resident of Mumbai. He was traveling on Air India Express flight IX-263 from Bangkok to Surat. During the initial phase of the investigation, officials recovered 4.035 kilograms of hybrid ganja from the upper part of his bag, valued at approximately Rs 1.41 crore. However, as per agency report, the investigation took a turn during police remand when DCP Bhavesh Rozia disclosed that rigorous interrogation led the accused to confess that a larger quantity of drugs was still concealed within the bag in a manner that had escaped initial detection.
Acting on this new information, the police re-examined the luggage and discovered that the smuggler had constructed a special micro-cavity near the tires at the bottom of the bag. The concealment was so intricate that law enforcement officials had to summon a skilled artisan to dismantle the bag and access the secret compartment. The investigation revealed that the accused had wrapped the drug packets in carbon paper, a technique specifically intended to trick airport X-ray scanners and security systems.
Upon opening the hidden compartment, the artisan and police team recovered an additional 4.852 kilograms of ganja, valued at Rs 1.69 crore, bringing the total seizure to 8.887 kilograms. DCP Rozia indicated that the investigation has revealed links extending to Chennai in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The arrested individual is described as a habitual offender with a history of involvement in assault, rioting, and theft cases in Mumbai. Authorities noted that this incident serves as a warning for airport security systems, highlighting the technically advanced methods now being adopted by smugglers.
