Probe into seizure of hydroponic marijuana at RGIA widens, links 96 suspects to international trafficking network

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The seizure of 13.2 kg of hydroponic marijuana from a passenger arriving at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad from Bangkok widened into an investigation of alleged international trafficking network spanning Thailand and several Indian States. The Telangana EAGLE Force identified around 96 persons linked to the syndicate.

Of them, 60 persons in Maharashtra and Gujarat have been identified as alleged transporters and served notices under Section 67 of the NDPS Act. Fifteen special teams were deployed across different parts of the country to trace those suspected of moving the drug from Thailand to various destinations in India, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gujarat and Kolkata.

The investigation dates back to April 7, when Customs officers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport intercepted international passenger Sodha Mohsin Bahadur Bhai, who had arrived from Bangkok. Officials recovered 13.2 kg of hydroponic marijuana from his checked-in baggage.

The probe subsequently pointed investigators towards Harshad Mansukh Bhai Prajapathi, who had already exited the airport. The following day, EAGLE Force personnel apprehended Prajapathi and Sandeep Jayprakash Vaswani near BHEL Junction in Ramachandrapuram and seized another 12.739 kg of hydroponic marijuana from them.

A case was subsequently registered by the Cyberabad Narcotics Police Station under provisions of the NDPS Act and BNS.

As investigators followed the trail beyond the initial couriers, they identified Hemang Pramod Kuleskar as the alleged kingpin. He and 16 others allegedly connected with the trafficking network were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

The investigation has since expanded to identify those allegedly involved at different stages of the supply chain. EAGLE Force said around 96 persons have so far emerged as being connected with the procurement, transportation, distribution and circulation of hydroponic marijuana brought from Thailand.

Investigators are now examining suppliers operating from Thailand, domestic transporters and distribution channels, intended recipients and customers, besides financial transactions and logistical support used to move the consignments.

The probe is continuing to identify other associates and establish the complete chain through which the drug was allegedly procured in Thailand, transported into India and distributed across different cities.

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