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Former NRL player Brandon Wakeham has been granted bail in court after his lawyer argued there was no evidence of his involvement in a Sydney drug supply ring.
The 25-year-old, who played for the Bulldogs and West Tigers, was detained by police from Strike Force Verbena during a training session of the Blacktown Workers, a NSW Cup feeder club to the Manly Sea Eagles, at a park on Alfred Road in Brookvale yesterday.
He was later taken to Manly Police Station where he was charged with taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug in greater than a large commercial quantity, taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug in greater than an indictable amount and less than a commercial quantity, and participating in a criminal group.
Prosecutors alleged in court that Wakeham loaned his car to two other suspects while drug deals took place.
His lawyer argued there was no evidence to suggest Wakeham knew what was going on.
Nothing was found during a subsequent search of his home.
The Manly Sea Eagles club said it had informed the NRL integrity unit about Wakeham's arrest.
"The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been made aware of an incident involving Brandon Wakeham, a Blacktown Workers contracted player, who has been arrested and charged on drug-related matters," the club said.
"The club understands he is scheduled to appear in Manly Court today, and confirms that it has notified the NRL integrity unit that it will fully cooperate in all aspects of the matter."
Wakeham's arrest came after a joint investigation established by State Crime Command's Drug & Firearms Squad and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), to investigate the alleged prohibited supply of drugs by Sam Amine, 47, and his associates.
Amine was also arrested yesterday from his home in Sans Souci.
Police said approximately $10 million in assets owned by Amine were frozen by the Crime Commission.
A third man, podcaster Nabil Allouche, 24, was arrested at Chester Hill.
During a search of Allouche's car, police allegedly located and seized 1kg of MDMA, 56 grams of cocaine and approximately $50,000 in cash.
Amine and Allouche were charged with a range of offences to face court today.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported Brandon Wakeham was aged 24, arrested in Chester Hill and charged with charged with 12 offences. The story has since been updated to reflect Wakeham is 25, was arrested in Brookvale and was charged with take part supply prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity, take part supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity), and participate in a criminal group.