Kochi: Actor Shine Tom Chacko, who was questioned by police on Saturday in connection with the recent raid at a hotel in Kochi, told officials that he knew Taslima Sulthana, the prime accused in a major hybrid cannabis case in Alappuzha.

According to reports, the actor admitted to sourcing drugs for personal use from Taslima. He also revealed that his growing dependency on drugs led his father to admit him to a de-addiction centre in Koothattukulam. However, Shine reportedly stayed at the facility for only a few days before fleeing.

Taslima Sulthana is one of the main accused in a case involving the seizure of hybrid cannabis valued at ₹2 crore from a resort in Alappuzha. Along with Taslima, her husband Sultan Akbar Ali and his friend Firoz were also taken into custody by the excise department as part of the investigation.

Taslima and Firoz were the first ones to be caught by the excise officials when they arrived at the resort. During questioning, Taslima reportedly disclosed that she supplied drugs to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi. However, the excise department did not obtain enough evidence to summon the actors for questioning in connection with the case.

Following Taslima’s statement, Sreenath Bhasi approached the High Court with an anticipatory bail plea but eventually withdrew the petition.

Meanwhile, the police collected samples from Shine Tom Chacko for an anti-doping test to determine drug use. Samples of his blood, hair, and nails were taken at Ernakulam General Hospital. He was then transported back to the Ernakulam North Town Station for a medical examination.

Police have registered bailable offences against Shine Tom Chacko in the matter. The actor was granted bail shortly after the procedures were completed.