Suspected ganja smuggler from Bangkok caught in dramatic chase after escaping customs custody in Bengaluru

A suspected ganja smuggler, who escaped from the custody of airport customs officials, was caught after a dramatic chase near the Devanahalli-Doddaballapura junction on Saturday.

According to the police, the suspect had arrived from Bangkok and was being escorted for a medical examination by Airport Customs head constable Vishal Chandal at around 7 a.m. During the transit, the suspect reportedly told the officer that he wanted to go to the washroom, but under the pretext, fled from custody.

The customs officer alerted the Namma-112 emergency helpline, which informed the Hoysala-181 patrol vehicle attached to the Devanahalli Police Station. The police personnel reached the spot within three minutes.

The patrol team spotted the suspect at a distance and launched a chase. Following a nearly two-km pursuit on foot, the police managed to apprehend him. The accused was later handed over to the Devanahalli police.

The police said that since a case had already been registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the suspect was formally arrested. Further action was being taken.