According to Customs officials, the passenger was intercepted based on advanced passenger profiling and routine X-ray screening of check-in baggage. (AI Enhanced Image/Special Arrangement)

Two hidden cavities carved into the inner lining of a black trolley bag, two vacuum-sealed packets, and hydroponic weed worth Rs 44.27 lakh. A carefully concealed consignment came under the scanner of Customs officials at Pune International Airport, leading to the arrest of a passenger arriving from Bangkok.

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), along with the Airport Branch of the Pune Customs Department, made the seizure on October 19 during an anti-smuggling operation at the airport in Lohegaon.

According to Customs officials, the passenger was intercepted based on advanced passenger profiling and routine X-ray screening of check-in baggage.

“Upon cutting open the inner lining, two rectangular, slab-shaped, vacuum-sealed multi-layered plastic packets containing a yellowish-green dried floral substance were recovered.…