The accused, identified as Rahman Sinaga, was intercepted by customs officials at the departure hall yesterday.
When he was interrogated and searched, he was found to be carrying Amphetamine, a substance banned under Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the officials said.
Amphetamine, commonly known as speed, is abused as party drug.
The seized narcotics, in the form of crystal powder, weighed about 2.9 kg and is valued Rs 16.82 crore in the international market, they said.
A case was registered against Sinaga under the NDPS Act and further investigation was on.
Sinaga was going to Malaysia from here, they said.