Australian field hockey player caught trying to buy cocaine at Olympics

Tom Craig, an Australian field hockey player, was arrested in Paris for allegedly trying to buy cocaine from a minor.

The 28-year-old athlete, a member of the Australian Olympic team, was arrested by police on Tuesday night while participating in a drug transaction outside a building in the city’s 9th arrondissement.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, Craig was arrested while allegedly trying to buy a gram of cocaine from a 17-year-old dealer, who was also taken into custody. Both Craig and the teenager were held overnight but were released Wednesday afternoon without facing charges or fines.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed the incident in a statement, noting the arrest on August 6. The AOC said “no charges have been laid” and are “continuing to make inquiries and arrange support for the team member”.

After a summary hearing, Craig was given a probationary criminal caution for drug use. A spokesman for the prosecution explained that the hockey player was presented to a representative of the prosecutor for this warning after he was detained by the police.

The arrest came shortly after Craig had left an Australian team event. An image captured by 7News shows Craig sitting on the sidewalk with his hands behind his back while officers conducted their investigation.

Residents of the Rue Douai area in the Pigalle area, where the arrest took place, described the area as known for drug activity. One resident noted, “There’s always a lot going on outside our building. The police patrol regularly, but the dealers usually disappear. Last night was different.”

The Pigalle district, famous for its historic red light district, is a popular nightlife spot, with the famous Moulin Rouge.

After his release, Craig publicly apologized for his actions. “First, I’d like to apologize for what happened in the last 24 hours,” Craig said. “I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions. My actions are my own and in no way reflect the values ​​of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic team. I have embarrassed you all and I am truly sorry.”

Craig was a prominent member of the Australian team that secured a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.