Tamil actor Srikanth, also known by his full name Sriram Krishnamachari, was arrested on Monday by Nungambakkam police under the Greater Chennai Police Commissionerate. Authorities allege that the 46-year-old actor was a regular buyer of cocaine from a drug cartel that included a recently-arrested Ghanaian national.
Police sources say another actor, Krishna, is also linked to the same drug network and is currently believed to be in Kerala. A manhunt is under way.
Srikanth’s Arrest Linked to Drug Syndicate
According to a senior police official, Tamil actor Srikanth had been in frequent contact with at least three individuals previously arrested for drug-related offenses. “Our investigation has revealed that Srikanth regularly procured and consumed cocaine,” the officer confirmed, adding that more arrests are likely as the probe continues.
Who Is Tamil Actor Srikanth?
Srikanth made his acting debut in the 2002 Tamil film Roja Kootam and went on to appear in popular movies such as April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Okariki Okaru (2003), and Nanban (2012), the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots. Throughout his career, Tamil actor Srikanth has earned accolades including Filmfare and Nandi Awards.
Cocaine Found, Blood Test Confirms Drug Use
Police raided Srikanth’s residence in Nungambakkam Lake Area and allegedly seized small quantities of cocaine. Following the seizure, he was taken into custody for questioning. A subsequent blood test conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital confirmed the presence of narcotic substances, leading to his arrest.
Background of the Drug Network
This high-profile arrest is part of a broader crackdown led by the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), operating under Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun. The unit targets synthetic drugs and ganja trafficking through intelligence gathering and coordinated arrests.
On June 17, based on inputs from the ANIU, police arrested Pradeep Kumar alias Prado, 38, from Salem, and John, a 38-year-old Ghanaian national, with 11 grams of cocaine. During interrogation, Pradeep confessed to supplying drugs to T. Prasad, a dismissed AIADMK functionary. Prasad, in turn, allegedly sold the drugs to Tamil actor Srikanth during a meeting at a pub in Nungambakkam last month.
Srikanth’s Connection With Criminal Elements
Investigators revealed that Prasad had earlier been arrested in a bar brawl case and was also linked to a job scam involving a Hyderabad businessman. Prasad had reportedly worked in film production with Tamil actor Srikanth, and the two frequently socialized.
Cocaine Route & Pricing
Police discovered that the cocaine was being sourced from Bengaluru. Pradeep and John allegedly bought the narcotic for ₹7,000 per gram and resold it in Chennai for ₹12,000 per gram—marking a lucrative illegal operation.
Ongoing Crackdown on Drug Syndicates
Commissioner A. Arun has instructed the ANIU and local law enforcement teams to intensify surveillance, especially around nightlife hubs, and crack down on organized drug trafficking rings. Further investigations are underway to trace other links to the international drug syndicate.
