How a tip-off and a simple knock led to two famous directors getting caught with hybrid cannabis

Kochi: On Saturday night, the Excise Department received a tip-off about people from the film industry using drugs in a flat near Goshree Bridge. Acting quickly, a special team arrived at the flat around 11:30 pm. The team asked the security guard to knock on the door. When it opened, the team found two men preparing to smoke ganja on the bed. Initially, the men identified themselves as actors with small roles in films. One of them, Khalid Rahman, replied that his name was Rahman and that he had played the role of a driver in Manjummal Boys. However, after further questioning, it was revealed that they were not just minor actors but prominent directors in the film industry.

This arrest comes amid growing concerns over drug usage in the film industry, a topic that had previously gained attention following the case of actor Shine Tom Chacko. The issue resurfaced after two people, including a woman, were caught with hybrid cannabis worth Rs 2 crore in Alappuzha. The woman allegedly named several well-known actors in connection with the drug trade. Following this, when police raided a hotel in Kochi, actor Shine jumped from the third floor to escape arrest, further adding fuel to the ongoing controversy.

The Excise and police teams have gathered information about drug users within the film industry. Additional details are being obtained from those arrested.

Hybrid cannabis is gaining popularity in the film industry

The Excise team has found that a major portion of the consumers of hybrid cannabis in Kerala are from the film industry. Although the use of MDMA is widespread, many are now turning to hybrid cannabis, realising that MDMA is highly dangerous and potentially deadly. Unlike cannabis produced in India, MDMA is smuggled from abroad, making it a high-risk substance.

Hybrid cannabis, which is imported into Kerala, is more expensive than regular cannabis. While cannabis from Odisha costs around Rs 25,000 per kg, the hybrid variety imported from abroad can cost over Rs 15 lakh per kg. This highly intoxicating form of cannabis is produced with special care.

The Excise Department has concluded that the increasing preference for hybrid cannabis is due to the severe legal consequences associated with MDMA. Possessing even half a gram of MDMA is a non-bailable offense in India, whereas possessing more than one kilogram of cannabis is considered a non-bailable offense. This legal comparison has led to a shift in preference among some drug users, who are now opting for hybrid cannabis despite its high price.