Chennai: Tamil film actor Srikanth, known as Sriram in the Telugu film industry, was arrested by the Nungambakkam Police in Chennai on Monday for allegedly purchasing cocaine from an international drug cartel. The cartel includes a Nigerian national who was recently apprehended, and authorities are now seeking actor Krishna, believed to be involved in the operation and currently hiding in Kerala.
A senior officer from the Greater Chennai City Police (GCP) confirmed the arrest, revealing that Srikanth had been in regular contact with three drug offenders arrested earlier. “Our investigation revealed that he procured and consumed cocaine,” the officer said, adding further inquiries are underway.
Srikanth, who made his debut in the 2002 super hit Tamil film Roja Kootam, has featured in several popular films like April Maadhathil, Parthiban Kanavu, Okariki Okaru, and the Tamil remake of 3 Idiots titled Nanban.
The arrest comes after the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) recently cracked down on a drug supply network. Earlier this month, the Nungambakkam Police seized 11 grams of cocaine from two individuals, leading to the discovery of Srikanth’s involvement. Further investigations revealed that the narcotics were sourced from Bengaluru.
Police said Srikanth tested positive for narcotics during a blood test at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
