Popular Tamil and Telugu film actor Srikanth has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7 by a Chennai court in connection with a drug-related case involving alleged cocaine use and procurement.

Srikanth was detained after several hours of interrogation at Nungambakkam police station. Police sources allege that the actor not only purchased and consumed cocaine but also maintained links with known drug suppliers. His blood samples, which were sent for medical examination, reportedly tested positive for drug use.

The arrest is part of a widening investigation into a drug network unearthed following a recent pub altercation involving a former AIADMK functionary. The ensuing probe led law enforcement to multiple suspects, culminating in Srikanth’s arrest.

A prominent figure in South Indian cinema, Srikanth made his debut in Roja Kootam (2002) and has appeared in nearly 70 films, including Nanban, the Tamil remake of Three Idiots directed by Shankar. His legal team has yet to issue a statement.

The arrest comes amid intensified anti-narcotics efforts in Tamil Nadu, which have sparked political controversy. Opposition parties AIADMK and BJP have accused the ruling DMK of failing to curb drug-related crimes. The DMK has rejected these claims, asserting that the ongoing crackdown demonstrates proactive law enforcement.

Tamil Nadu Police, citing NCRB data, maintain that the state has among the lowest drug abuse rates nationally. However, DGP Shankar Jiwal recently acknowledged in an interview with NDTV that while Tamil Nadu is not a narcotics production hub, it has increasingly become a transit point for international drug trafficking—particularly for shipments en route to Sri Lanka and other countries.

The investigation remains ongoing.