Kerala excise officials arrested ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ director Khalid Rahman allegedly for drug use from a flat in Kochi’s Marine Drive during the early hours of Sunday. Police also arrested Ashraf Hamza, director of Kunchako Boban starrer ‘Bheemante Vazhi’, and a common friend of the duo.
Based on intelligence inputs, the sleuths from the excise department searched the premises of a premium flat in Kochi and seized hybrid ganja from the trio. According to officials, the trio had gathered at the flat, reportedly rented by a popular cinematographer, for a discussion on an upcoming film and were nabbed while they were preparing to consume the ganja.
“We took the three into custody from a flat in Kochi and seized the hybrid ganja. A case is registered against them under sections 20(b) (II) A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985,” an excise official told onManorama. Besides the directors, officials also arrested Shalif Muhammad, a common friend of the duo.
Officials seized 1.5 grams of narcotic substance from the trio The trio has allegedly admitted to investigators that they have been using drugs regularly. Excise inspector K.P. Pramod told Manorama News that the trio were regular drug users. “When we raided the flat, they were preparing to consume the ganja. After interrogating them, we confirmed that the three persons had been using ganja for a long time. We are yet to confirm who owned the flat,” the excise officer told the publication. Police released all three persons on bail later.
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The development comes after the recent arrest of popular actor Shine Tom Chacko for drug use by Kerala police. He was released on bail later.
Khalid Rahman’s ‘Alappuzha Gymkhana’ is running successfully in theatres. The film starring Naslen, Lukman, Baby Jean, Manjummel Boys fame Ganapathy and a slew of young actors hit theatres as a Vishu release. Meanwhile, B. Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has warned stern measures against drug users in the industry.