Kochi: With profits from gold dwindling, gold smuggling syndicates are turning to the highly lucrative hybrid cannabis (ganja) trade. Customs and other investigative agencies are suggesting that Kerala is set to become a 'hybrid hub.'

Hybrid cannabis, which is not produced in India, is being imported into Kerala from countries like Thailand and smuggled into the UAE, where possession of drugs can result in the death penalty. A recent attempt by Kochi Customs to smuggle hybrid cannabis to Ras Al-Khaimah has revealed new operations by gold smuggling syndicates.

In July, the central government reduced the import duty on gold from 15% to 6%, leading to a significant decline in the profits from gold smuggling. What was once a profit of over Rs 6 lakh per kilogram has dropped to just Rs 1 lakh. With these diminished profits, the 'risky' margins for carriers, who also receive commissions in the form of tickets, have largely disappeared in the gold smuggling trade.

Hybrid cannabis, harvested within a specific timeframe under controlled atmospheric conditions, is a high-demand drug. Its international market value is approximately Rs 1 crore per kilogram.

Hybrid cannabis, smuggled from abroad, is being trafficked through Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kochi airports to the UAE. A tenfold profit is made through this route. Carriers are likely to receive commissions in the form of flight tickets or visiting visas. Customs' recent interception of 5.5 kg of hybrid cannabis, intended for Ras Al-Khaimah, involved a man from Malappuram, who was allegedly promised a visiting visa for the UAE. The suspect was reportedly preparing to travel in search of work.

India’s first case in Kochi

Shibu Ayyappan (35) from Malappuram, who attempted to smuggle hybrid cannabis to Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, was arrested at Kochi airport. He was caught with 5.5 kg of hybrid cannabis, valued at Rs 5.5 crore in the international market. This marks the first instance of hybrid cannabis trafficking being intercepted outside India.

The suspect was apprehended after completing immigration formalities, just as he was about to board a flight to Ras Al-Khaimah. The cannabis was concealed in his trolley bag among confectionery items.

He was presented before the Angamaly Magistrate Court and remanded in custody. The operation was carried out by the High-Performance Unit (HPU) under the leadership of Customs Preventive Commissioner Dr Tiju Thomas.

Customs officials suspect that hybrid cannabis is being brought into the region from Thailand and other countries, with the intention of smuggling it to foreign destinations. Shibu is believed to have been merely a carrier. The Customs investigation is ongoing.