Tue Jun 24 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Chennai Film Star Srikanth Arrested in Cocaine Bust**

**CHENNAI, INDIA – June 23, 2025** – Popular Tamil film actor Srikanth, also known as Sriram Krishnamachari, 46, was arrested in Chennai on Monday by Nungambakkam police on suspicion of purchasing cocaine from a drug cartel. The arrest follows a police investigation targeting narcotics trafficking in the city, overseen by Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun.

According to authorities, Srikanth was in regular contact with three individuals recently arrested on drug-related charges, including a Ghanaian national identified as John. “Our investigation revealed that he procured and consumed cocaine,” stated a senior police officer. Police are also currently searching for another actor, Krishna, believed to be in Kerala, for questioning in connection with the investigation.

The investigation began after the arrest of Pradeep Kumar, alias Prado, and John on June 17th, found in possession of 11 grams of cocaine. Interrogation of Pradeep revealed that he had supplied drugs to T. Prasad, a dismissed AIADMK functionary, who allegedly sold cocaine to Srikanth at a Nungambakkam pub last month. Police investigations revealed that Prasad, who had previously been arrested for a brawl, also had been involved in a job racket in Hyderabad.

Following the initial arrests, police searched Srikanth’s residence in the Nungambakkam Lake Area, where small quantities of cocaine were allegedly seized. He was detained for questioning and subsequently arrested after a blood test confirmed the presence of narcotics. The cocaine is reportedly sourced from Bengaluru, sold at ₹7,000 per gram, and then resold in Chennai for ₹12,000.

Srikanth, who made his acting debut in the 2002 film “Roja Kootam,” has starred in numerous successful films and received several awards throughout his career.

Commissioner Arun has ordered an intensification of surveillance and crackdowns on organized narcotics trafficking throughout the Greater Chennai area. The Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) is working with local law enforcement to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the drug syndicate.

The investigation is ongoing.

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