In a surprising turn of events, Tom Craig, a prominent Australian field hockey player, has found himself in trouble overseas. The 28-year-old Kookaburras striker was detained in Paris on suspicion of cocaine possession.
According to reports, Craig was taken into custody late Tuesday night in the bustling Pigalle area of Paris. FranceInfo, a respected French news outlet, revealed that Craig was allegedly found with around one gram of cocaine.
Local prosecutors indicated that Craig was apprehended near a building in the ninth arrondissement just after midnight. FranceInfo shared that the police had also arrested two other individuals during what appeared to be a drug transaction.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
The Paris Narcotics Brigade is handling the investigation into the incident.
The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed that one of their hockey team members is currently in custody in Paris, although no formal charges have been filed yet. They are working to provide support for Craig during this time.
Sources suggest that Craig was arrested shortly after leaving an Australian team event. The unnamed seller involved in the transaction was a 17-year-old, who was allegedly found with seven vials of cocaine, 75 ecstasy tablets, and three grams of Mephedrone. Due to his age, his identity remains undisclosed.
Craig’s Background and Current Status
As of late Wednesday morning, Paris time, Craig was still in custody. His legal team has yet to make a public statement regarding the matter.
Craig has been a notable figure in Australian hockey, having represented his country since childhood and contributing to the gold medal win at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
He is also known for his relationship with Alice Arnott, a player on the Australian women’s field hockey team, the Hockeyroos. The couple had recently shared moments from Paris on social media.
Impact on the Hockey Teams
The Kookaburras, who secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, were recently knocked out of the current games following a quarter-final loss to the Netherlands. The Hockeyroos also faced disappointment with a surprising quarter-final defeat to China.
French Law on Drug Possession
Under a French law enacted in 2020, individuals caught with less than five grams of cocaine may face on-the-spot fines starting at €150 (AUD$249). However, more severe drug-related offenses can still result in up to a year in prison.
This law aims to streamline law enforcement and alleviate pressure on the judicial system.
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