New Delhi, June 8 : Customs officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have foiled a major narcotics smuggling attempt, seizing 15.38 kg of suspected hydroponic weed concealed inside two geysers, officials said on Monday.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs and passenger profiling, Customs officers intercepted two passengers who arrived from Kuala Lumpur on Flight D7-182 on Sunday. The passengers were stopped after they crossed the Green Channel at the airport.

During surveillance and examination, officials noticed that the passengers were carrying two brand-new geysers along with their checked-in baggage. Sustained interrogation and scrutiny of communications found on the suspects' mobile phones raised strong suspicions regarding the contents of the appliances.

The geysers were subsequently subjected to X-ray examination, which indicated the presence of concealed material within their internal structure. Following this, Customs officers dismantled both appliances and uncovered a highly sophisticated concealment mechanism.

During the search, officials recovered 145 vacuum-sealed packets hidden inside the geysers. Preliminary examination of the packets revealed a green leafy substance suspected to be hydroponic weed, commonly known as ganja.

The total gross weight of the recovered narcotic substance was found to be 15.38 kg. According to Customs authorities, the estimated illicit market value of the seized contraband is approximately Rs 5.38 crore.

The suspected narcotic substance has been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Both passengers have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended recipients of the consignment.

The latest seizure comes just days after another drug bust at IGI Airport.

On June 4, customs officials seized 1.57 kg of suspected hydroponic weed valued at around Rs 55 lakh from a passenger arriving from Bangkok.

According to authorities, the passenger had arrived in Delhi on June 1 and was intercepted after crossing the Green Channel. An X-ray scan of the baggage revealed suspicious images, leading to a detailed search. Officials subsequently recovered three vacuum-sealed packets containing a green-coloured substance suspected to be hydroponic weed, preventing another alleged attempt to smuggle narcotics into the country.

/IANS