In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Excise Department’s Special Investigation Team arrested two individuals in Alappuzha on Tuesday night for their involvement in the possession and distribution of hybrid ganja. The duo, Thasleema Sulthana, alias Christina, from Chennai, and Feroze, a resident of Mannancherry in Alappuzha, were caught with three kilograms of hybrid ganja valued at Rs 1.5 crore.
The arrests took place at a resort in Omanapuzha, where the two were found with the narcotics. Thasleema, who has a criminal history, allegedly confessed to supplying drugs to several personalities in the Malayalam film industry. Excise officials, having recovered digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, now suspect that certain film stars may be involved in the drug trade.
Excise Deputy Commissioner S Vinodkumar confirmed that digital records recovered during the raid indicate that the accused were supplying drugs to film personalities. “We’ve collected WhatsApp messages and other electronic data pointing to the involvement of some film industry figures. We are investigating further and will name the individuals after a thorough inquiry,” he stated.
Thasleema’s previous criminal record includes involvement in a case concerning the sexual assault of an aspiring actress in Chennai, further deepening her connection to the entertainment world. The drugs involved in the bust are hybrid ganja, a potent strain cultivated using hydroponic techniques to increase its intoxicating effects.
Officials have raised alarms over the potency of hybrid ganja, noting that it poses significant health risks, even surpassing well-known drugs like MDMA. The narcotics were reportedly transported from Thailand to Bengaluru before being brought to Alappuzha for distribution.
Excise officers, led by Circle Inspector Mahesh, acted on a tip-off, raiding the resort and seizing the drugs from the arrested individuals. The duo had traveled to Alappuzha in a rented vehicle, accompanied by Thasleema’s children. Authorities are now examining Thasleema’s mobile phone for further leads.
With the recovery of crucial digital evidence, the Excise Department has expanded its investigation to uncover the wider network involved in the smuggling of hybrid ganja. As the inquiry progresses, officials expect to summon several individuals linked to the case, including those with potential connections in the entertainment industry.
