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In a surprise raid, the Excise Department in Kochi arrested Malayalam filmmakers Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and Shalif Mohammed for possessing hybrid ganja.

Malayalam Film Directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza Arrested For Hybrid Ganja Possession
In a surprise raid early Sunday morning, the Excise Department in Kochi arrested three people, including renowned Malayalam filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, for possessing hybrid ganja. The operation, which took place around 2 am, also led to the arrest of a third individual, Shalif Mohammed. The authorities conducted the raid after gathering intelligence on the illegal substance.
The excise seized around 1.63 grams Hybrid Ganja from them.
The three individuals were later granted station bail after their arrest. They were taken into custody from an apartment near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi during a late-night raid, which followed confidential intelligence. The apartment, as per reports, belongs to a well-known cinematographer from the film industry named Sameer Thahir.
Sources from the Excise Department revealed that the raid was carried out following confidential information.
According to the officials, the ganja was brought to the apartment for personal consumption.
According to the Excise Department, initial questioning revealed that the individuals had been using ganja regularly for years. They were reportedly at the apartment for a discussion related to a movie. Authorities have now stated that they will investigate further to identify the supplier.
Khalid Rahman is recognized for his direction of hit films like Alappuzha Gymkhana and Thallumaala. On the other hand, Ashraf Hamza is known for his work on films such as Thamaasha and Bheemannte Vazhi.