The Aviation Security Group (ASG) personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force on Tuesday seized hashish oil from a Maldives national who checked in at the Thiruvanthapuram international airport to return home.
The hashish oil in gel form that was strapped to the thigh of the 25-year-old was recovered during frisking by the ASG personnel on duty at the security wing. An ASG official identified the accused as Luthfy Mohammed.
He had arrived in the State on a tourist visa last week.
The Maldivian checked in at the international terminal at 8.30 a.m. to return home on Air India flight AI 263 to Male.
He had come alone on a holiday to the State on a tourist visa, the ASG said.
Estimated cost
The 700-gm seized drug is estimated to cost over ₹40 lakh in the international market. The ASG handed over the youth to the Customs unit.
Law enforcement agencies are keeping tabs on “çarriers” following a report that the State was emerging into a transit hub for smuggling narcotic substances to the West Asia where the demand is high.
Drug syndicate
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence had alerted the security agencies of a drug syndicate bringing in hashish oil and ganja from Andhra Pradesh meant to be sent to West Asia.
