Tamil movie star Srikanth was arrested, according to a senior police official, who also claimed that he had frequent communication with three recently arrested drug criminals. On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Nungambakkam Police of Greater Chennai detained 46-year-old Srikanth, whose full name is Sriram Krishnamachari, on suspicion of buying cocaine from a narcotics cartel. A Ghanaian national, recently taken into custody, is believed to be linked to the drug cartel. Another actor, Krishna, is presently being sought by authorities; he is thought to be in Kerala.
“Our investigation has revealed that Srikanth both purchased and consumed cocaine,” the official continued. He has featured in a range of notable films, such as Nanban (2012), the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots, along with earlier hits like April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), and Okariki Okaru (2003). Numerous distinguished honours, such as the Nandi Award and the Filmfare Award, have been bestowed upon Srikanth.
Under the direction of Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) leads, which plays a key role in tackling drug trafficking. This team works with local police stations to coordinate arrests, identify criminals and networks, and collect intelligence on cannabis and synthetic substances.
Acting on ANIU’s advice, Nungambakkam Police detained John, a 38-year-old Ghanaian national, and Pradeep Kumar, a 38-year-old from Sankari in Salem (also known as Prado), on June 17 after they were discovered in possession of 11 grams of cocaine. Pradeep admitted under questioning that he had given narcotics to T. Prasad, a former AIADMK official who had supplied cocaine to Srikanth at a pub in Nungambakkam last month.
Connection to a Barroom Brawl
A pub fight involving Prasad’s associates had previously resulted in his detention. Subsequent research showed that he was part of a ring that offered a phoney job to a businessman in Hyderabad. Police sources claim that Srikanth was known to regularly hang around with people who were involved in illegal operations, and Prasad had collaborated with him on a movie.
A little amount of cocaine was allegedly found during a police search of Srikanth’s home near Nungambakkam Lake. After his blood test revealed the presence of narcotics, he was detained after being taken into prison Monday morning for interrogation. The Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital served as the testing site.
Bengaluru is the source of the drug.
According to reports, Pradeep and John helped obtain the cocaine from Bengaluru. In Chennai, they allegedly sold it for ₹12,000 per gram after buying it for ₹7,000.
The ANIU and local law enforcement organisations have been directed by Commissioner Arun to step up surveillance and take action against organised drug trafficking networks. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and apprehend more individuals connected to the drug network.