EAGLE Force Cracks Thailand-India Cannabis Smuggling Ring
The Telangana Police Agency, or EAGLE Force, successfully dismantled a major cannabis smuggling ring operating between Thailand and India. The syndicate used 40 people to transport hydroponic 'OG' through multiple airports, targeting Indian tourists in Bangkok.
Highlights
- •- EAGLE Force shut down a multi-level cannabis smuggling network from Thailand to India
- •- Syndicate transported over 13 kg of hydroponic cannabis at one instance
- •- Diverse operational setup with locations across multiple Indian airports
- •- Involvement of influential smuggling networks in existing operations
The Telangana police agency, known as EAGLE Force, recently dismantled a sophisticated cannabis smuggling syndicate operating between Thailand and India. This network, which was active since mid-2023, employed over 40 individuals to transport hydroponic cannabis into the country via multiple airports.
Cannabis Smuggling Network Structure
The syndicate had a clear hierarchical structure with coordinators, recruiters, handlers, financiers, and carriers. EAGLE Director Sandeep Shandilya explained that the network specialized in moving hydroponic cannabis, commonly known as 'OG,' from Thailand to India through Pattaya.
According to police, the syndicate identified a growing demand for hydroponic cannabis among Indian tourists visiting Thailand. The operation involved renting a cannabis cultivation chamber capable of producing 144 plants per cycle in the cover of medical and commercial use.
Distribution Network
The network utilized multiple airports including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Kolkata to smuggle the contraband. To avoid Customs scrutiny, they frequently changed arrival points. Upon landing in India, the cannabis was moved to Mumbai and distributed via local peddlers.
Payments were made in cash and routed back to Thailand through hawala channels for fresh consignments. The case came to light when customs officials at RGIA intercepted a passenger with over 13 kg of hydroponic cannabis arriving from Bangkok.
The syndicate's operations are linked to an influential smuggling network known for trafficking gutka, gold, and red sanders. Despite the extensive efforts by EAGLE Force, several key operatives remain at large.
