The Excise department in Kerala has intensified the investigation into the seizure of three kg of alleged hybrid ganja worth around ₹2 crore from a resort at Omanapuzha in Alappuzha recently.
Sources said the investigation had been extended to the Malayalam film industry after Thasleema Sulthana, the prime accused in the case, revealed the names of a couple of film stars with whom she has close ties and consumed drugs with.
“Thasleema has named two Malayalam film stars with whom she has used drugs. However, no further details have been disclosed. Her mobile phone will be sent for forensic examination to gather scientific evidence and take the case forward,” said an Excise department official.
The official added that there was currently “no incriminating evidence to suggest that Thasleema sold drugs to individuals in the film industry.”
Excise sleuths arrested Thasleema and her accomplice K. Feroze on Tuesday night. A local court in Alappuzha on Wednesday remanded the duo in judicial custody for 14 days. Officials said they would soon file a petition in court seeking custody of the accused for further interrogation.
Investigators suspect that Thasleema, who has reportedly been involved in drug-trafficking for some time, brought alleged hybrid ganja for distribution in the film and tourism sectors. On Tuesday, she arrived at the resort on a rented car accompanied by her husband and two children. Officials, however, said there was no evidence at this stage implicating her husband in the drug-trafficking case. Feroze is believed to have been responsible for supplying the drugs to people in the tourism sector in Alappuzha.
The probe is being led by Excise Assistant Commissioner S. Ashok Kumar.
A few years ago, Thasleema was arrested in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case registered at a police station in Ernakulam. The case involves the sexual abuse of a girl after administering drugs.
Published – April 03, 2025 02:59 pm IST
