PANJIM, March 8 -- Team Herald

The Goa Police Crime Branch on Saturday blew the lid off a major drug trafficking operation, netting a massive haul of nearly 12 kg hydroponic marijuana valued at Rs 11.67 crore in the international market. A 32-year-old from Bangalore has been arrested in

the case.

Hydroponic ganja, known for its purity, is priced at Rs 50 lakh per kg or Rs 5,000 per ounce, and is popular for its chemical-free properties at high end party venues in Goa. Gautam, the accused, who was nabbed from an apartment in Guirim, is said to have been introduced to hydrophonic weed during his time working as a bartender in various Goa restaurants, where he witnessed the growing demand for the narcotic.

According to police reports, th...