Woman with ‘film links’ arrested in Rs 2cr drug bust at Kerala resort

KOTTAYAM: A special squad of the excise department arrested two individuals, including a woman claiming connections to the film industry, with three kilograms of high-quality hybrid ganja worth approximately Rs 2 crore.The arrested were identified as 41-year-old Taslima Sulthana, alias Cristeena, originally from Kannur but currently residing in Chennai, and her 26-year-old accomplice, K Feroz, a native of Mannanchery in Alappuzha. They were taken into custody from a resort in Omanappuzha, Alappuzha, around 10.30pm on Tuesday following a tip-off received by the excise department. Officers from the special squad conducted a swift operation, apprehending the duo as they exited their vehicle at the resort. During preliminary interrogation, Taslima made several sensational claims, stating that she had close associations with prominent figures in the film industry and even admitted to using drugs with them. She further revealed that she had worked in minor roles in some films and was involved in script translation."Anything concrete can be said about her film connections only after taking her detailed statement and examining her call records," said excise deputy commissioner S Vinodkumar.Investigations revealed that Taslima, who is fluent in over eight languages, had been controlling the drug trade from Chennai. She had been staying at a lodge in Kakkanad, Ernakulam, before moving to Alappuzha. This time, she was accompanied by her husband and two children, though officials confirmed they had no involvement in her illicit activities. Feroz, her long-time associate, was responsible for distributing the contraband. The seized ganja, a premium hybrid variety sourced from countries like Thailand and Malaysia, was being sold at a rate of Rs 10,000 per gram. The money was paid online, with Feroz handling deliveries to customers at their preferred locations. Further scrutiny into Taslima's background uncovered a prior criminal case registered at the Thrikkakkara police station under the Pocso Act. The case involves the sexual abuse of a girl after administering drugs.