Thu Dec 04 08:11:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

A Bengaluru-based couple, Shafiuddin Sheikh and Sara Simran, were arrested for smuggling 18 kg of hydro ganja worth ₹18.6 crore into the city through Kempegowda International Airport. They concealed the drugs in food packets within their backpacks after returning from Bangkok on tourist visas. Police apprehended them while they were waiting to deliver the drugs to their handler based on intelligence. Investigators are concerned about how they bypassed airport security. Police are analyzing their phones to identify other members of the drug network.

News Article:

Bengaluru Couple Nabbed Smuggling ₹18.6 Crore Worth of Hydro Ganja Through Airport

Bengaluru, December 4, 2025 – A Bengaluru couple was arrested for smuggling a substantial quantity of hydro ganja into the city via Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Shafiuddin Sheikh, a car mechanic, and his wife Sara Simran, residents of Kammanahalli, were apprehended by the Mahalakshmi Layout police on Sunday, November 30, 2025, while attempting to deliver 18 kg of hydro ganja, estimated to be worth ₹18.6 crore, to their contact.

According to police investigations, the couple traveled to Bangkok on tourist visas. They concealed the contraband in nine food packets within their backpacks. Authorities believe the couple was offered free travel, accommodation, and financial compensation to act as mules.

“They had no prior criminal record, making them ideal candidates for this operation,” stated a police officer involved in the investigation.

The incident raises concerns about airport security, especially as Customs officials were reportedly operating under heightened security protocols due to increased drug smuggling concerns ahead of the New Year celebrations. While the couple fit the profiling parameters, authorities believe their operation may have evaded normal screening processes at KIA.

The city police acted on credible intelligence to track and intercept the couple upon their arrival. A team led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Mary Shailaja has seized two mobile phones from the accused and is analyzing communication records to identify other individuals involved in the international drug syndicate.

The couple has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and remanded to 10-day police custody for further investigation.

City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh commended the police team for their success. He further stated that the Bengaluru police had seized drugs worth over ₹160 crore in 2025 to date. This latest arrest highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.

This event follows on the heels of several recent interceptions by customs officials at KIA, who have intercepted over ₹53 crore of hydro ganja in recent days.

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