Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig is in custody in Paris after reportedly attempting to buy cocaine on the streets of the French capital on Tuesday night.
The Australian Olympic Committee has not confirmed the player’s identity but released a statement on Wednesday morning about the arrest.
“The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed that an Australian hockey team member is in custody following an arrest in Paris on August 6th,” a spokesperson said.
“No charges have been filed. The AOC is continuing to investigate and provide support for the team member.”
The Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed to reporters that police officers observed a cocaine transaction in the ninth arrondissement of the city on Tuesday night and subsequently arrested two men.
“Police officers … arrested the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia, who is reported to be a member of the Australian field hockey team,” a spokesperson said.
“Due to the amounts of narcotics seized from the seller, the investigation has been handed over to the narcotics brigade. Both individuals are currently in police custody.”
Craig, a seasoned player, was competing in his second Olympic Games after winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
This incident follows a disappointing Olympic campaign for Australia’s hockey teams.
The Kookaburras lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in their quarter-final on Sunday, despite entering the tournament with medal hopes. Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos, the women’s team, were defeated 3-2 by China on Monday.
According to Tokyo Olympic Village rules, players had to vacate their rooms within 48 hours after their competition ended.
Both teams attended a post-tournament function on Tuesday.
