Actors Under Scrutiny as Excise Team Probes Hybrid Ganja Case

Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi appeared before the Kerala Excise Department officials for questioning as investigations intensified into the seizure of three kilograms of hybrid ganja from a luxury resort in Alappuzha on 1 April. A woman model, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was also summoned and appeared before the investigating team as authorities widened the scope of their inquiries into the alleged drug network.

The questioning of the two prominent actors marks a significant development in a case that has sparked considerable attention within Kerala’s film and entertainment circles. Officials stated that both Chacko and Bhasi were summoned based on leads obtained during the investigation and the interrogation of suspects previously arrested in connection with the drug haul. Sources close to the probe revealed that their names surfaced during the analysis of digital evidence retrieved from mobile phones and other electronic devices seized during earlier raids.

Authorities have clarified that the actors were questioned primarily to verify their alleged links with individuals already under arrest and to determine whether they had any direct or indirect involvement with the trafficking or consumption of the seized narcotics. While no formal charges have been pressed against Chacko or Bhasi at this stage, Excise officials indicated that further action would depend on the outcomes of forensic analysis and testimonies collected.

The Excise team, operating under the direction of the State Enforcement Squad, continues to pursue multiple leads, suggesting that the seized hybrid ganja—a high-potency strain—may have been intended for distribution among a niche clientele, including figures from the entertainment industry. The luxury resort where the contraband was discovered had reportedly hosted private parties, and investigators are combing through guest lists, CCTV footage, and booking records to ascertain the scale of the operation.

According to investigators, the hybrid ganja was sourced from Bengaluru and transported to Alappuzha, reflecting a broader pattern of inter-state drug trafficking that authorities in Kerala have been attempting to dismantle. Officials highlighted that hybrid strains, cultivated through selective breeding for higher THC content, have become increasingly popular in urban party circuits, posing fresh challenges for enforcement agencies.

During questioning, both Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi reportedly maintained that they had no involvement with the narcotics found at the resort. Chacko, who has previously faced scrutiny in separate drug-related investigations, reiterated his commitment to cooperate fully with authorities, stating that he had no association with the seized substances or the events under investigation. Bhasi, known for his work in Malayalam cinema and music, also denied any wrongdoing and expressed willingness to support the probe to its logical conclusion.

The Excise Department, meanwhile, is continuing the forensic examination of digital devices collected from suspects to trace communication chains and financial transactions that might shed further light on the distribution network. Officials indicated that more individuals could be summoned for questioning as the investigation progresses, underscoring that the current phase aims to establish a clear timeline of events leading to the seizure.

The case has reignited broader conversations within Kerala about the prevalence of substance abuse within certain sections of the entertainment industry. Authorities pointed to earlier operations that exposed similar networks operating in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, where small but influential circles were found to be involved in trafficking premium narcotics. While efforts to counter drug abuse have intensified statewide, officials acknowledge that combating high-end trafficking networks requires sustained intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation.

Senior officials from the Excise Department stressed that the case would be pursued strictly on the basis of evidence without yielding to external pressure. They reiterated that celebrity status would not shield anyone from legal action if culpability is established. The State Excise Minister, when questioned by reporters, underlined the government's commitment to upholding the law impartially and warned of stringent action against all involved, irrespective of their social or professional standing.

The woman model who appeared before the Excise team is believed to have connections with certain individuals under investigation, although officials have yet to confirm whether she is being treated as a witness or a suspect. Her questioning, conducted in a confidential manner, reportedly focused on her interactions with organisers of the resort party and her knowledge, if any, of the drug distribution.

Legal experts following the case indicated that possession of hybrid ganja, given its classification under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, carries severe penalties. Convictions for possession, trafficking, or financing such activities can result in long-term imprisonment and substantial fines. They also observed that proving direct involvement or conspiracy in drug cases often hinges on digital evidence and corroborated testimony, which investigators appear to be prioritising in the current inquiry.

The seizure itself was conducted following a tip-off, leading Excise sleuths to raid the Alappuzha resort where they discovered the high-grade ganja concealed in multiple packages. Initial arrests were made at the scene, and the arrested individuals reportedly divulged information pointing to a wider network spanning multiple states. Authorities have since maintained a guarded approach regarding the details of ongoing operations, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. Open URL