Srikanth Drug Case: Tamil Actor Arrested Over Alleged Cocaine Purchase from Cartel

Srikanth Drug Case: Tamil Actor Arrested Over Alleged Cocaine Purchase

The Srikanth drug case has sent shockwaves through the Tamil film industry, with popular actor Srikanth (also known as Sriram Krishnamachari) arrested for allegedly purchasing and consuming cocaine. His arrest came after a string of recent detentions involving a drug cartel, including the apprehension of a Ghanaian national. Authorities have now widened their probe as connections between the entertainment industry and drug networks come to light.

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Srikanth Drug Case: Actor’s Links with Arrested Drug Offenders

According to senior officers of the Greater Chennai Police, the Srikanth drug case developed after the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) traced regular contact between the actor and three individuals previously arrested for drug trafficking. Srikanth, 46, was detained and later arrested by the Nungambakkam police on June 23, 2025. Investigators revealed that Srikanth had allegedly procured and used cocaine, sourced through illegal channels.

The authorities believe he was in direct contact with a drug cartel that operated across states. One of the cartel’s key members is a Ghanaian national, John, who was arrested earlier. A search is underway for another actor, Krishna, who is reportedly in Kerala and is also being investigated in connection with the case.

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Srikanth Drug Case: Background of the Arrest

Srikanth’s arrest was made after the detention of Pradeep Kumar, alias Prado, and the Ghanaian national John, both found in possession of 11 grams of cocaine. During interrogation, Pradeep admitted to supplying drugs to T. Prasad, an expelled AIADMK functionary. Prasad, in turn, claimed to have sold cocaine to Srikanth at a Chennai pub.

The Srikanth drug case took a turn when police raided the actor’s residence in the Nungambakkam Lake Area. They reportedly seized small quantities of cocaine from the premises. Blood tests confirmed the presence of narcotics in Srikanth’s system, following which he was placed under arrest. He underwent a medical examination at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital before being remanded to judicial custody until July 7.

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Anti-Narcotics Crackdown Fuels Srikanth Drug Case Investigation

The crackdown on narcotics in Chennai is being led by Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, who has instructed the ANIU to ramp up surveillance on synthetic drugs and cannabis trafficking. The Srikanth drug case is now a high-profile investigation involving multiple arrests, including individuals tied to the entertainment and political sectors.

Investigations revealed that the cocaine was sourced from Bengaluru, bought for ₹7,000 per gram and sold in Chennai for ₹12,000. This cross-border network is being mapped, with police trying to locate all individuals involved in the supply chain.

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Srikanth Drug Case: Actor’s Association with Prasad and Others

Further probing uncovered that Srikanth and Prasad had collaborated on film production projects. The actor frequently socialized with Prasad and his associates, who were already under the police radar for other offenses. Prasad had previously been arrested following a violent brawl at a bar in Chennai, which led to the discovery of his links to the drug trade.

Sources suggest that Srikanth was a regular at parties where drug use occurred. During questioning, Prasad revealed that Srikanth had purchased 1 gram of cocaine for ₹12,000 and used it at private gatherings. The Srikanth drug case is thus not just about a single purchase but points toward a larger culture of substance abuse in certain circles of Chennai’s elite.

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Who is Srikanth? A Look at the Actor’s Career and Personal Life

Born in Chennai to a Tamil mother and a Telugu father, Srikanth was raised in Hyderabad. His father worked at the State Bank of India. The actor, who lost his older brother to dengue, began his acting career with the television series Jannal – Marabu Kavithaigal in 1999. He made his film debut in 2002 with Roja Kootam and went on to star in several successful Tamil and Telugu movies.

Some of his notable works include April Maadhathil, Parthiban Kanavu, Okariki Okaru, Kana Kandein, Poo, and Nanban, the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots. He is known as Sriram in Telugu films to avoid confusion with another actor. Srikanth married Vandana in 2008 and has two children.

His recent work includes the Tamil film Konjam Kadhal Konjam Modhal, the Telugu movie Erracheera, and the JioCinema web series Harikatha.

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Srikanth Drug Case: Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

After an eight-hour interrogation, Srikanth was formally arrested. The police are building their case based on digital evidence, testimonies, and forensic reports. While no official charges have been filed yet, law enforcement officials emphasize that proceedings will remain strictly evidence-driven.

The Srikanth drug case is expected to uncover more names involved in this growing drug network. Actor Krishna is also being investigated, and more arrests may follow as the inquiry progresses.

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Conclusion: Srikanth Drug Case Raises Alarms Across Industries

The Srikanth drug case highlights how drug cartels are infiltrating the entertainment industry and social elite. As police deepen their probe into narcotics distribution in Chennai, this case may serve as a wake-up call for stricter anti-drug measures across Tamil Nadu.

Authorities continue to monitor individuals connected with the cartel. With actor Srikanth now in judicial custody, the film industry awaits the legal outcome while reflecting on the urgent need to distance itself from such illegal activities.

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