Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig, 28, was arrested in Paris on August 6, 2024, for allegedly attempting to purchase cocaine, just days after his team’s elimination from the Olympic tournament. The incident occurred around midnight in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, where police witnessed a drug transaction between Craig and a 17-year-old seller.According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, Craig was found in possession of approximately one gram of cocaine. The seller, who was also arrested, was carrying 75 ecstasy pills, seven vials of cocaine, and other drugs including 3g of 3-MMC. The investigation has been handed over to the Narcotics Squad of the Paris police.Craig was released from police custody with a probationary criminal warning and avoided fines or other penalties. Following his release, Craig issued a public apology, stating, ‘I’d firstly like to apologize for what has occurred in the last 24 hours. I made a terrible mistake. I take full responsibility for my actions’. He also expressed remorse for embarrassing his family, teammates, friends, and the Australian Olympic team.The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed the incident but stated that no charges have been filed. The AOC is continuing to make inquiries and arrange support for Craig. Under French law, possession of less than 10 grams of cocaine can result in an on-the-spot fine as low as €150 (approximately $164).Craig, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, had participated in the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands on August 4, where Australia lost 2-0, leading to their elimination from the Paris 2024 Games. This incident has cast a shadow over the Australian Olympic team’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where they have otherwise been performing well, ranking third in the medal table behind the USA and China.
Key points
- Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig was arrested in Paris for attempting to buy cocaine.
- Craig was released with a warning and has publicly apologized for his actions.
- The incident occurred shortly after Australia’s elimination from the Olympic tournament.
- The Australian Olympic Committee is providing support and continuing investigations.
Contradictions👾Some sources report Craig’s age as 28, while one source incorrectly states he is 17 years old.
👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported quantities of drugs seized from the seller.
