Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig, 28, was arrested in Paris on August 6, 2024, for allegedly purchasing 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 2-MMC. The investigation has been handed over to the Narcotics Brigade of the Paris police.The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed the arrest but stated that no charges have been filed yet. The AOC is continuing to make inquiries and arrange support for Craig. Under French law, possession of less than five grams of cocaine can result in an on-the-spot fine as low as €150 (£128.86).Craig, a member of the Australian men’s field hockey team known as the Kookaburras, had participated in the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands on August 4, where Australia lost 2-0. He has previously represented Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he won a gold medal.This incident has cast a shadow over the Australian Olympic team’s participation in the Paris 2024 Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has deferred comments on the situation to the AOC. As the investigation continues, the sports world awaits further developments in this unexpected turn of events at the Olympic Games.
Key points
- Australian Olympic hockey player Tom Craig was arrested in Paris for allegedly buying cocaine.
- The incident occurred just days after Australia’s elimination from the Olympic hockey tournament.
- Craig was found with approximately one gram of cocaine, while the seller had various other drugs.
- The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed the arrest but no charges have been filed yet.
- Under French law, Craig could face a fine as low as €150 for possession of a small amount of cocaine.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported age of Tom Craig, with some sources stating he is 28 and others reporting he is 29.
👾The exact timing of the arrest varies slightly between reports, with some stating it occurred on the night of August 6-7, and others specifically mentioning August 6 or the early hours of August 7.
