New Delhi: Changing methods of drug smuggling at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have increased the challenge for the Customs Department. Smugglers are no longer using new methods only for cannabis, but also for cocaine and synthetic drugs. In October 2026, Customs officials seized several consignments, ranging from drugs hidden in food packets to narcotic substances concealed inside passengers’ bodies in capsule form.
On the intervening night of October 30 and 31, a search of the luggage of an Indian passenger arriving from Manila led to the recovery of about five kg of suspected synthetic drugs from packets of everyday food products. The estimated value is said to be around Rs 5 crore. Preliminary investigation indicated the presence of MDMA and other narcotic substances. The substance has been seized under the NDPS Act and further investigation is under way.
In another case, on October 28, a citizen of Guinea was caught after allegedly bringing 70 capsules filled with narcotic substances concealed inside his body. After permission from the court, he was kept under medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital. There, 1.068 kg of suspected narcotic substance was recovered in two stages, with its value estimated at around Rs 5 crore. Preliminary investigation has raised suspicion that it may be cocaine or MDMA.
In addition, more than 264 kg of cannabis was also seized from air cargo and passengers’ baggage in October. This included large consignments of hydroponic cannabis. The Customs Department has arrested 15 alleged drug smugglers in these cases.
Officials face the challenge not only of identifying narcotic substances, but also of tracking changing smuggling methods and the networks operating behind them. Investigations are continuing in all cases into the source of the substances and possible international links.
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