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The recent arrest of prominent Malayalam movie directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa for possession of suspected hybrid ganja has sent ripples through the Kerala film industry. According to Excise officials, the contraband was sourced from a supplier within Kerala, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The incident highlights the pervasive issue of drug use and trafficking, particularly within the entertainment sector, and raises concerns about the accessibility and prevalence of illegal substances in the state. The arrest, which took place during a pre-dawn raid on an apartment in Kochi, involved the seizure of 1.50 grams of the suspected hybrid ganja. Alongside Rahman and Hamsa, another individual named Shalif Muhammad was also apprehended. The apartment reportedly belongs to director-cum-cinematographer Sameer Thahir, although his direct involvement in the incident remains unclear. The Excise department is currently investigating the matter further. Crucially, authorities believe that Shalif Muhammad was responsible for procuring the drugs from the unidentified supplier. Excise sources have indicated that they possess details about the supplier and are actively attempting to locate him. However, the supplier's mobile phone is currently switched off, hindering the investigation. The detention of the supplier is considered crucial to uncovering further information about the source of the drugs, the distribution network, and the extent of involvement of others. As a result of the incident, Excise officials are planning to issue a notice to Sameer Thahir, the owner of the apartment where the arrests occurred. While Thahir has not been directly implicated in the drug possession, the notice serves as a preliminary step in the investigation process. Should the investigation officer uncover fresh leads that warrant further questioning, Thahir may be summoned for additional inquiries. The incident has drawn considerable attention due to the prominence of the individuals involved. Khalid Rahman is known for directing movies such as Alappuzha Gymkhana, Thallumala, and Unda, while Ashraf Hamsa directed Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Their arrest has tarnished their reputations and raised ethical questions about their conduct. Considering the relatively small quantity of drugs found in their possession, the accused were subsequently released on bail. They reportedly claimed that their presence at the apartment was solely for the purpose of discussing a movie project. However, Excise sources have revealed that the duo narrowly avoided apprehension during a similar raid at the same apartment in March, suggesting a pattern of behavior and raising suspicions about the veracity of their explanation. In response to the arrest, the FEFKA Directors’ Union, a prominent association representing film directors in Kerala, has taken decisive action by suspending both Rahman and Hamsa. This suspension reflects the industry's commitment to upholding ethical standards and condemning illegal activities. The decision sends a strong message that drug use and association with illegal substances will not be tolerated within the film fraternity. The raid that led to the arrests was reportedly carried out based on specific intelligence input, including detailed information about the apartment. This suggests that authorities had been monitoring the activities at the location for some time and had gathered sufficient evidence to warrant the raid. The timing of the raid is particularly significant, as it coincides with a heightened debate about the influence of drugs in the film industry. The incident has further fueled the discussion and intensified scrutiny of the entertainment sector. Furthermore, the article mentions that actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi appeared before Excise officials in Alappuzha in connection with the seizure of 3 kg of suspected hybrid ganja from a couple in a resort in Omanapuzha, Alappuzha. Allegedly, Excise officials found mobile phone call records and WhatsApp chats linking the woman to the actors. The connection between these actors and the drug seizure is still under investigation. Shine Tom Chacko was also involved in another incident in which he fled a hotel in Kaloor during a raid by the Kochi city police’ District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force on April 16. The Ernakulam Town North police later summoned him and booked him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. This incident further underscores the prevalence of drug-related issues within certain segments of the film industry. The successive raids and arrests highlight a growing concern about the normalization and acceptance of drug use within the film fraternity. The Excise department's efforts to crack down on drug trafficking and consumption are commendable, but a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the root causes of the problem. This includes raising awareness among film industry professionals about the dangers of drug use, providing support and rehabilitation services for those struggling with addiction, and fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability. The film industry, as a significant cultural force, has a responsibility to promote positive values and discourage harmful behaviors. The actions of individuals like Rahman and Hamsa not only tarnish their own reputations but also damage the credibility of the entire industry. It is imperative that the film industry takes proactive steps to address the issue of drug use and ensure that its members adhere to the highest ethical standards. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences, undermining public trust and eroding the industry's reputation. The arrests of the directors serve as a wake-up call for the entire film industry. A concerted effort is needed to create a drug-free environment and promote a culture of responsible behavior. This requires collaboration between industry stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. Only through a collective and sustained effort can the film industry effectively address the challenge of drug use and safeguard its integrity.