Kochi, Kerala’s financial capital, has become the epicentre of a growing scandal involving the seizure and arrest of several Malayalam film actors and directors for the alleged use of cannabis, both on and off film sets. Recently, Malayalam youth star Shine Tom Chacko was seen fleeing from a hotel during a drug raid, a moment captured on video that quickly went viral. The footage has again opened a Pandora’s box of controversy for the film industry.
Shine has since been summoned for questioning. According to the police, there were two possible reasons for his escape from the hotel prior drug raid: either he had the drug and fled after being tipped off about the raid, or he had already used the drug and was attempting to avoid being caught during the raid. Apart from Shine Tom Chacko, successful and youth icon Sreenath Bhasi and model K. Soumya have been allegedly named in the drug case. However, Sreenath Bhasi, Shine Tom Chacko, and K. Soumya were given a clean chit in the Alappuzha drug case on April 29.
What makes this case even more intriguing is the mention of a new type of drug referred to as ‘Hybrid’. But what exactly is this hybrid drug? Has it already made its way into India? How much does it cost, how is it different from other drugs, and where is it produced? Here we attempt to decode all of that.
What Is Hybrid?
Cannabis is broadly classified into two types: Sativa and Indica. Various reports suggest that hybrids are created by scientifically combining these two strains through selective breeding. While hybrid cannabis is also used in medicine, it is administered in controlled, limited quantities. If the ratio of active compounds is too high, it can act as a potent narcotic. Therefore, the combination ratio plays a crucial role in determining whether the substance functions as a medicine or as a recreational/intoxicating form of cannabis. The appearance of hybrid varieties depends on the nature of the plants selected for the combination. The price is expected to be in lakhs per kilogram.
Hydro Or Hydroponic Cannabis
Another type of cannabis is known as hydro or hydroponic cannabis, which is known for its high potency. It is cultivated on farms or in greenhouses under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. It is harvested specifically when its intoxicating properties peak. Although it differs from regular cannabis in strength and cultivation method, legally, both hybrid and hydro varieties are treated the same as traditional cannabis. These potent strains are often sourced from countries like Thailand and contain significantly higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making hydro cannabis extremely intoxicating.
Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, possession of small quantities of cannabis can attract a punishment of one year imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or both. However, the accused in these cases will be granted station bail. Products made from the cannabis plant are also called grass, weed, joint, and marijuana.
Alleged Drug Use By A Few Youths In Malayalam Film Fraternity
Along with Shine Tom Chacko, actors Sreenath Bhasi and model K. Soumya were also been allegedly named in a cannabis-related drug case. According to reports, a woman arrested for possession of cannabis reportedly told the police that she had supplied drugs to both Sreenath Bhasi and Shine Tom Chacko. Taslima Sultana, also known as Christina, was arrested in Alappuzha last March with over ₹2 crore worth of hybrid cannabis in March. Further reports suggest that Shine Tom Chacko has admitted to consuming drugs and expressed remorse, along with a willingness to undergo treatment. He has reportedly been shifted to a de-addiction centre in Thodupuzha.
Shine Tom Chacko, Sreenath Bhasi And K. Soumya Acquitted By Court
Shine Tom Chacko, Sreenath Bhasi and model K. Soumya were questioned for more than ten hours at the excise office in Alappuzha. Based on the questionnaire prepared earlier, separate information was collected from the three people. No evidence was found to directly link them to the hybrid cannabis case in Alappuzha. The investigation team assesses that they have no connection to the hybrid cannabis case.
In February, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko and six others were acquitted by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court in a case related to a suspected drug party at a Kochi apartment in January 2015. Two days ago, Filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were arrested in Kochi for cannabis possession amid Kerala’s ongoing crackdown on drug use in the film industry.
