Sameer Thahir to face excise questioning following Khalid Rahman’s arrest in hybrid ganja case

The Excise Department has announced that seasoned cinematographer and filmmaker Sameer Thahir will be summoned for questioning after three individuals, including Alappuzha Gymkhana director Khalid Rahman and Thamaasha director Ashraf Hamza, were found in possession of hybrid ganja at his flat on Sunday. Excise Deputy Commissioner TM Maju confirmed that a notice would be served to Sameer, as allowing premises to be used for drug consumption constitutes an offence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. "We need to interrogate the flat owner in detail," Maju said, adding that it remains unclear whether the accused had informed Thahir that they intended to hold a film-related discussion at the property.

During the raid, officers recovered 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja, a bong, and a grinder from the premises. Maju stated that a comprehensive investigation would be launched to trace the source of the drugs and associated paraphernalia. He noted that while the three confessed to using ganja, it was not yet confirmed whether they were habitual users. The raid was carried out as part of the second phase of 'Operation Clean State', a targeted campaign against drug use. "Hybrid ganja is a new trend among drug users," Maju said. He explained that the operation was based on a tip-off and that, although the suspects initially identified themselves only as film industry workers, further questioning revealed their identities as well-known directors. According to officials, Shalif Muhammad was responsible for procuring the ganja for the group. Following their arrest, Khalid and Ashraf have been suspended from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA).

Maju emphasised that the drugs are largely distributed in Kerala on a person-to-person basis and said dismantling even small groups could significantly disrupt the supply chain. He stressed that the film industry as a whole is not implicated. "All film personalities are not drug users. Only a few people are using it," he said, assuring that raids would continue based solely on credible information. Film organisations, he noted, have pledged their support to the anti-drug campaign. Preliminary findings suggest that the current case is unrelated to the recent Alappuzha hybrid ganja case, where those arrested had named prominent figures in the film industry. Maju concluded that all possible angles would be thoroughly investigated.