In a pan India operation code named Operation “WeedOut”, the Indian government's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a syndicate involved in smuggling of hydroponic weed into India.

In the late evening of 20th August 2025, simultaneous interceptions were made by officers of DRI at Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Railway station, Bengaluru, and Bhopal Junction.

"Thorough search of baggage of two passengers who had just boarded the Rajdhani train (22691) for Delhi, led to recovery of 29.88 kg of hydroponic weed at Bengaluru," read a government statement.

In a coordinated action, 24.186 kg of hydroponic weed was recovered at Bhopal Junction from two passengers who had boarded the Rajdhani train on 19th Aug 2025 from Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, associate mastermind of the syndicate was traced in New Delhi and proceeds of drug trafficking amounting to Rs. 1.02 crore was recovered from his possession.

In a swift follow up, a passenger who arrived at Bengaluru from Thailand on 20th August 2025 was intercepted in the early hours of 21st August 2025 at a hotel in Bengaluru, which led to recovery of another 17.958 kg of hydroponic weed.

A total of 72.024 kg of hydroponic weed worth around Rs. 72 crore along with illegal proceeds of Rs. 1.02 crore was seized under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985.

The associate mastermind and all five passengers involved were arrested. The syndicate used to reach out to college dropouts, part-time employed or unemployed youth via social media. The NDPS Act has stringent punishments for offences related to handling of drugs.