Cocaine Controversy Hits Olympics: Australian Athlete Arrested Over Drug Purchase

French police have arrested Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig on suspicion of purchasing cocaine from a drug dealer in central Paris, authorities reported on Wednesday. The 28-year-old midfielder, who last played for Australia in their quarter-final loss to the Netherlands at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, was taken into custody early Wednesday morning at around 00:30 am (2230 GMT) following a “cocaine transaction” near an apartment building, according to a police source.

When apprehended, Tom Craig was found in possession of approximately one gram of cocaine and remained in police custody early Wednesday, according to an anonymous source. The 17-year-old drug dealer, who was arrested alongside Craig, had several types of drugs on him, including 75 ecstasy pills and other synthetic substances. Due to the significant amount of drugs involved, the case has been referred to the French anti-narcotics brigade, as stated by prosecutors.

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The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed that one of its hockey team members is in custody following an arrest in Paris on Tuesday. The AOC noted that no charges have been filed yet and is working to support the team member.

The International Olympic Committee chose not to comment on the arrest during its daily press conference.

The Australian men’s hockey team’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended with a quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands. The match, held early Monday, saw the Netherlands—ranked third in hockey—secure a 2-0 victory with goals from Duco Telgenkamp (35′) and Thijs van Dam (52′). Despite having opportunities, the world No. 6 Australian team, known as the Kookaburras, was unable to convert their chances.

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