Hydroponic Weed, a new challenge
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Guwahati, Jan 22
The smuggling of hydroponic weed has emerged as the latest challenge for enforcement agencies in India’s North Eastern region. “Hydroponic weed is a type of marijuana cultivated in nutrient-rich water rather than soil and has emerged as a new trend in the region. These consignments are often trafficked by air passengers, adding another layer of complexity to enforcement efforts,” stated the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Hydroponic weed, or hydro weed, is cannabis grown using a hydroponic method. Typically cultivated indoors in a fully controlled environment, this method allows growers to have complete control over the plant’s environment. As a result, it produces more reliable crops, consistent buds, and faster harvest cycles.
In a major crackdown on organized drug syndicates, the DRI, with assistance from Assam Rifles, seized 26 kg of methamphetamine tablets on January 19, 2025. The consignment smuggled through the Indo-Myanmar border in Mizoram, was intercepted at Dwarband Bazar in Cachar District, Assam. The seized drugs, valued at Rs. 26 crore in the international market, were concealed in a specially designed cavity within an Ashok Leyland truck. One person has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, of 1985.
In a separate operation the following day, the DRI seized 6 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs. 6 crore. The drugs were hidden beneath the dashboard of a truck on the outskirts of Agartala, Tripura. Two individuals were apprehended in connection with this case.
The DRI’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the region have been relentless. Since April 2024, the agency has booked 36 cases of contraband smuggling, arrested 70 individuals (including seven women), and seized drugs worth over Rs. 355 crore. The confiscated contraband includes 231 kg of methamphetamine tablets.16 kg heroin 1,375 kg ganja (cannabis) and 3.7 kg hydroponic weed. Additionally, 32 vehicles (19 cars and 13 trucks) used to transport the illicit substances have been seized.
Seizure of 242 kg ganja from a truck in Shillong, Meghalaya by the DRI on 17.12.2024
One of the most significant seizures in recent months includes the confiscation of 242 kg of ganja from a truck in Shillong, Meghalaya, on December 17, 2024. This highlights the widespread reach of drug syndicates across the northeastern states. The Hub
The smuggling of hydroponic weed has emerged as the latest challenge for enforcement agencies in India’s North Eastern region. “Hydroponic weed is a type of marijuana cultivated in nutrient-rich water rather than soil and has emerged as a new trend in the region. These consignments are often trafficked by air passengers, adding another layer of complexity to enforcement efforts,” stated the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Hydroponic weed, or hydro weed, is cannabis grown using a hydroponic method. Typically cultivated indoors in a fully controlled environment, this method allows growers to have complete control over the plant’s environment. As a result, it produces more reliable crops, consistent buds, and faster harvest cycles.
In a major crackdown on organized drug syndicates, the DRI, with assistance from Assam Rifles, seized 26 kg of methamphetamine tablets on January 19, 2025. The consignment smuggled through the Indo-Myanmar border in Mizoram, was intercepted at Dwarband Bazar in Cachar District, Assam. The seized drugs, valued at Rs. 26 crore in the international market, were concealed in a specially designed cavity within an Ashok Leyland truck. One person has been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, of 1985.
In a separate operation the following day, the DRI seized 6 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth Rs. 6 crore. The drugs were hidden beneath the dashboard of a truck on the outskirts of Agartala, Tripura. Two individuals were apprehended in connection with this case.
The DRI’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the region have been relentless. Since April 2024, the agency has booked 36 cases of contraband smuggling, arrested 70 individuals (including seven women), and seized drugs worth over Rs. 355 crore. The confiscated contraband includes 231 kg of methamphetamine tablets.16 kg heroin 1,375 kg ganja (cannabis) and 3.7 kg hydroponic weed. Additionally, 32 vehicles (19 cars and 13 trucks) used to transport the illicit substances have been seized.
Seizure of 242 kg ganja from a truck in Shillong, Meghalaya by the DRI on 17.12.2024
One of the most significant seizures in recent months includes the confiscation of 242 kg of ganja from a truck in Shillong, Meghalaya, on December 17, 2024. This highlights the widespread reach of drug syndicates across the northeastern states. The Hub