Bhubaneswar, Odisha:-In a major operation against suspected drug smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Bhubaneswar Customs seized 5.291 kg of ganja from four passengers arriving from Bangkok at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar. The estimated illicit market value of the seized contraband is approximately ₹1.85 crore. Acting on specific intelligence developed by the DRI, officers of the DRI’s Bhubaneswar Regional Unit intercepted the four passengers on October 17. During the screening of checked-in baggage belonging to three passengers, officers detected specially fabricated false cavities concealing six packages. The hidden compartments were opened using hand tools, leading to the recovery of 4.877 kg of a greenish substance suspected to be a narcotic drug. The initial screening of the fourth passenger’s baggage did not reveal any suspicious concealment. However, during a physical examination, a DRI officer noticed a can labelled “Dog Food.” The passenger reportedly gave evasive replies when questioned about the item. Officers then sought assistance from Roubel, a detector dog belonging to the Indian Customs K9 Squad stationed at BPIA. First, Roubel was allowed to smell a package containing suspected contraband recovered from another passenger’s baggage. The dog was subsequently directed to examine the dog food can found in the fourth passenger’s bag. Roubel gave a positive indication consistent with the odour of the previously detected substance. Upon dismantling the can, officers recovered another 414 grams of a greenish substance concealed inside it. The recovered substances tested positive for ganja (marijuana) using a Narcotic Drugs Detection Kit, taking the total seizure to 5.291 kg. All four passengers, along with the seized contraband, were handed over to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Customs, Bhubaneswar, for further action. Further investigation is underway.