KOCHI: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) held a closed-door meeting with representatives of Malayalam film industry bodies on Friday amid a spate of drug-related cases involving film personalities.
The session, held at the NCB office in Kendriya Bhavan, Kakkanad, from 3 pm to 4 pm was convened after a series of arrests, including that of directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, and writer Shalif Mohammed, who were found in possession of hybrid ganja at an apartment in Kochi last month. In addition, actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi were recently questioned by the excise department in connection with a drug seizure case in Alappuzha.
NCB deputy director chaired the meeting, which was attended by two other officials and five representatives from major industry bodies. These included Jayan Cherthala representing the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), and Sibi Malayil from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). Representatives from the Film Producers Association were also present.
According to sources, the meeting aimed to assess the situation and explore preventive measures to curb drug abuse at shooting locations and film events. The NCB also discussed suggestions from the representatives for strengthening monitoring at film production sites.
Jayan Cherthala, vice-president of AMMA’s ad hoc committee, said the rise in drug use in the industry was addressed during the meeting. “We have informed them that there is an alarming rise in the number of drug abuse cases in the state, as well as in the industry,” he said. He added that AMMA had put forward a few suggestions, which will be announced later by the officials.
Earlier, in 2022 and 2023, film bodies including the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA), AMMA, and the Film Chamber had urged the police and excise departments to act against drug abuse in the film industry.
Saji Nanthyatt, general secretary of the Kerala Film Chamber, had earlier told TNIE that drug use by artists and crew leads to indiscipline on sets, delays production and post-production work, and increases costs. “It affects the working environment of the set. For smooth functioning, we need to refrain from such activities,” he said.
