Tamil Actor Srikanth Arrested in Cocaine Case, Hunt On for Actor Krishna
Popular Tamil and Telugu film actor Srikanth has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7 by a Chennai court after being arrested in a cocaine-related case.
The actor was interrogated for several hours at the Nungambakkam police station before his formal arrest.
According to police sources, Srikanth is accused of purchasing and using cocaine and maintaining contact with known drug suppliers.
His blood samples were sent for medical examination, with reports reportedly confirming drug consumption.
Arrest Linked to Larger Drug Crackdown
The actor’s arrest is part of a broader investigation into a drug network exposed following a recent bar brawl involving a former AIADMK member. The arrest of that individual led police to several suspects, eventually resulting in Srikanth’s arrest.
Srikanth, well known in South Indian cinema, made his debut in 2002 with the film Roja Kootam and has appeared in nearly 70 movies. His notable works include Nanban, the Tamil remake of the Bollywood film 3 Idiots, directed by Shankar.
Srikanth’s legal team has yet to issue an official statement regarding his arrest.
Drug-Related Cases Trigger Political Reactions
His arrest comes amid a rise in drug seizures and narcotics-related investigations in Tamil Nadu.
These developments have fueled political tensions, with opposition parties AIADMK and BJP criticising the ruling DMK, accusing them of failing to maintain law and order.
The DMK has rejected these claims, stating that the police’s actions demonstrate proactive law enforcement.
Tamil Nadu Police have also pointed out that, according to NCRB data, the state has one of the lowest rates of drug use in India. Authorities maintain that strict action is being taken against both users and drug peddlers.
Tamil Nadu a Transit Point for International Drug Trade
In a recent interview with NDTV, Tamil Nadu’s Director General of Police, Mr. Shankar Jiwal, stated that while the state does not produce narcotics, it has become a transit point for international drug trafficking.
He highlighted that drugs are often smuggled through Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka and other countries.
Details of Srikanth’s Arrest
Tamil actor Srikanth, whose full name is Sriram Krishnamachari, aged 46, was arrested on June 23, 2025, by the Nungambakkam police of Greater Chennai Police for allegedly purchasing cocaine from a drug cartel.
The cartel also involves a Ghanaian national who was recently arrested. Police are currently searching for actor Krishna, who is believed to be in Kerala.
A senior police officer confirmed the arrest, stating, “Our investigation revealed that he procured and consumed cocaine… Further investigation is under way.”
The officer added that Srikanth had been in frequent contact with three individuals recently arrested in connection with drug offences.
Srikanth’s Career and Awards
Srikanth began his acting career with Roja Kootam in 2002. He later appeared in several notable films, including April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Okariki Okaru (2003), and Nanban (2012).
His performances earned him multiple awards, including Nandi Awards and Filmfare Awards.
Anti-Narcotics Crackdown in Chennai
The Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), operating under Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, has been leading efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
The ANIU gathers intelligence on ganja and synthetic drugs, tracks offenders, and coordinates with local police stations for arrests.
On June 17, acting on ANIU’s information, Nungambakkam police arrested Pradeep Kumar, also known as Prado, 38, from Salem, and John, 38, a Ghanaian national.
The two were caught with 11 grams of cocaine. During interrogation, Pradeep revealed that he had supplied drugs to expelled AIADMK member T. Prasad, who then sold the cocaine to Srikanth at a Nungambakkam pub last month.
Brawl at Bar Exposes Drug Links
Prasad and his associates had earlier been arrested in connection with a bar brawl. Further investigations revealed his involvement in a job scam, where he cheated a Hyderabad businessman.
Police sources said Prasad had also worked in film production with Srikanth and that they frequently socialised together.
A search at Srikanth’s residence in the Nungambakkam Lake Area allegedly led to the seizure of small quantities of cocaine.
On Monday morning, Srikanth was detained for questioning and arrested after his blood test returned positive for narcotics. He was taken to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for medical examination.
Drugs Sourced from Bengaluru
Investigations revealed that the cocaine was sourced from Bengaluru. Pradeep and John reportedly purchased the drugs at ₹7,000 per gram and sold them in Chennai for ₹12,000 per gram.
Commissioner A. Arun has instructed the ANIU and local police to intensify their crackdown on organised narcotics trafficking. Efforts are ongoing to arrest others linked to the drug syndicate.
