In a major crackdown, the Bengaluru unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized narcotic substances worth nearly Rs 50 crore that were being smuggled from Colombo to Bengaluru. Officials confirmed the arrest of three people, including a Sri Lankan national, in connection with the operation.
According to authorities, around 45.4 kilograms of hydro ganja and 6 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms were recovered during the raid. Acting on reliable intelligence that narcotic substances were being smuggled into Bengaluru from Thailand through Colombo, NCB officers launched a swift operation.
On October 9, two passengers arriving at Kempegowda International Airport from Colombo were intercepted and arrested. From their possession, officials recovered 31 kilograms of hydro ganja and 4 kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms. Based on their information, another Sri Lankan passenger who arrived on a subsequent flight was detained, leading to the recovery of an additional 14 kilograms of hydro ganja and 2 kilograms of mushrooms.
Investigations revealed that the accused had concealed the narcotics inside sealed food tins to evade airport security checks. The NCB suspects that the drugs were intended for distribution across various cities in South India through an organized international smuggling network.
Officials also highlighted that in 2025 alone, the Bengaluru NCB has seized over 220 kilograms of hydro ganja valued at more than Rs 100 crore across 18 operations. Nearly 45 individuals from states including Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have been arrested in connection with these cases.
Authorities believe this latest seizure exposes a deeper international drug trafficking network with possible links to Southeast Asia. Further investigations are underway to identify other culprits and trace the full extent of the smuggling route.
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