Kochi: The flat association of a luxury apartment complex in Marine Drive has demanded that noted cinematographer and director Sameer Thahir vacate his rented residence following the recent seizure of hybrid cannabis from the premises.

The move comes days after directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were apprehended by the Excise Department from Sameer Thahir’s flat with a quantity of the illegal substance. The incident has sent shockwaves through the residential community and prompted an emergency meeting of the flat association.

In a formal letter to the owner of the apartment — a Thrissur native who had rented the property to Thahir — the association expressed grave concern, describing the incident as shameful and deeply disturbing. The letter explicitly requests that Thahir be asked to vacate the premises immediately.

The association's members indicated that further action may follow. “This is a matter of serious concern, particularly in a residential community where several prominent individuals reside,” a member said, underlining that the incident has damaged the reputation of the building.

The apartment complex comprises 260 units, with only 200 currently occupied — the majority of which are tenanted. The dominance of tenants over owners, particularly in high-rise residential buildings in Kochi, continues to be a major ‘challenge’ for associations trying to maintain order and accountability.

Assistant Commissioner of the Excise Department confirmed that Sameer Thahir’s flat had been under surveillance for some time due to suspicions of drug-related activities. The arrest of Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza is part of an ongoing operation by the department. According to officials, the flat had allegedly become a regular hub for drug consumption, prompting heightened scrutiny and a strong response from the building’s residents' association.

Rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) was also taken into custody in a similar raid, further fuelling the controversy.