Sat Apr 26 14:10:03 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Airport Sees Surge in Women Used as Drug Smugglers

**KOCHI, INDIA – April 26, 2025** – Kochi airport customs officials are reporting a concerning trend: an increase in the use of women as couriers for smuggling hydroponic cannabis, also known as hybrid ganja, primarily from Bangkok, Thailand.

In a recent bust, two women – a model from Jaipur and a makeup artist from Delhi – were arrested with 15 kg of the drug, valued at ₹4.5 crore (approximately $540,000 USD). Customs officials revealed that the women stated they were among 17 women recruited in Bangkok to transport the contraband. The shift towards using female carriers is attributed to the belief that they are less likely to arouse suspicion.

The increased reliance on female smugglers has highlighted a shortage of female customs officers, potentially contributing to the problem. While the women claimed to be paid ₹10,000-₹30,000 per trip, including airfare and accommodation, customs officials express skepticism about the accuracy of this figure.

In the past few months, customs officials have intercepted approximately 30-40 kg of hybrid ganja in around 15 separate incidents, almost all originating from Bangkok, which also serves as a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking. A separate seizure of 3 kg of hybrid ganja in Alappuzha was also traced back to Bangkok.

The enforcement of laws against hybrid ganja presents challenges due to the lack of specific categories and sentencing provisions within the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The current legislation only differentiates between small and large quantities, hindering effective prosecution of repeat offenders. One individual arrested by Karipur police in a separate drug case and interviewed while imprisoned in Kozhikode had previously been caught for similar offenses.

The high cost and potent effects of hybrid ganja, often sold through dark web marketplaces, makes it a lucrative target for smugglers. The increased involvement of women as couriers represents a significant change in smuggling tactics and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking.

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