How consignment of ‘hydroponic weed’ made its way from Thailand to Goa in chocolate packets

Investigators say the market rate for hydroponic weed is at least 10 times that of regular weed.

Police said the probe began when on March 8, a 26-year-old native of Bengaluru, Goutham M, was caught in possession of a polythene packet containing “dried greenish fruiting tops”. During investigation, the contraband weighing over 11.67 kg of hydroponic weed was found hidden in his rented room in Goa. The contraband was seized and a case was registered under NDPS Act

The weed, estimated to be valued at over Rs 11 crore in the international market, is one of the largest seizures of hydroponic weed in Goa in recent years, said police. In a post on X, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had hailed the arrest as a ‘major breakthrough’ calling it a “testament to the efforts of law enforcement agencies in keeping Goa drug-free.”

Police said during interrogation, the accused revealed that he was offered Rs 1 lakh by a Bangkok-based friend to carry a consignment of narcotics from Bangkok to India.

A police officer, requesting anonymity, said Goutham went to Bangkok on the invitation of some old associates, who are now running a drug trafficking racket.

“To carry the consignment to India, he was told to be accompanied by a woman to ensure a smoother exit during the security checks at the airport. So, he roped in a woman friend. On their return, the ‘couple’ was handed two suitcases at the Bangkok airport. The drugs were concealed in chocolate packets and clothes. The duo boarded a flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu and then travelled from Kathmandu to Goa by taxis and buses, carrying the consignment. Thereafter, the weed was supposed to be sold in Goa locally,” the officer said.

Further disclosures led to identification and arrest of another accused, Shilna A, from Bengaluru on March 12. Police said she is a key member of the gang who was operating from Bangkok and coordinated with local suppliers in Bengaluru.

Based on disclosures and sustained investigation, another accused Sreejil P P was arrested from Kannur, Kerala on March 19. Rahul Gupta, SP crime, Goa, said Sreejil is the ‘financial backbone’ of the gang. “He had booked international flight tickets for Goutham and other individuals suspected to be involved in the drug syndicate. It has been found that the narcotics were supposed to be sold in Goa. Look-out circulars and a blue notice have been issued against other members of the gang who are suspected to be hiding in Thailand,” SP Gupta said.