Investigation agencies have intensified surveillance over international arrivals at Lucknow Airport amid suspicions that some passengers returning from Thailand may be involved in drug smuggling activities.
According to officials, cannabis valued at approximately ₹200 crore has been seized during multiple operations conducted at Lucknow Airport over the past two months. Following these recoveries, screening procedures for passengers arriving on international flights have been further strengthened.
Investigation agencies claim that in certain cases, tourists were allegedly lured or misled into acting as drug couriers. Such passengers were reportedly received outside the airport by individuals linked to smuggling networks after returning from abroad. However, officials emphasized that not all passengers are involved and that each case is being investigated separately.
Officials said that flights arriving from Thailand have been placed under special surveillance in recent weeks. Authorities are attempting to trace smuggling networks through monitoring of suspicious activities, baggage inspections, and passenger profiling. In several cases, questioning of suspects has reportedly yielded important information about larger criminal syndicates.
Security agencies deployed at the airport, the Customs Department, and narcotics enforcement teams are conducting joint operations. Officials stated that inspection systems have been strengthened technologically in response to evolving smuggling methods. Along with baggage scanning, passenger movements and activities are also being monitored.
Experts said that international travelers should avoid carrying baggage or packages belonging to unknown individuals or accepting additional money to transport items. In some instances, people may unknowingly become part of smuggling networks and subsequently face legal action.
Investigation agencies are currently working to establish links across the broader network. Officials said that several suspects have been identified following recent seizures and that further developments may emerge in the coming days.
Claims related to drug smuggling and seizures in this report are based on preliminary information provided by investigation agencies and officials. The full facts of the case will become clear only after the completion of the investigation and judicial process.
