Drug offense: the all-time manly player was just suspended when it was found that he had taken illegal drugs.
Brandon Wakeham, a former NRL player, was granted bail in court after his attorney claimed there was no proof of his involvement in a cocaine delivery operation in Sydney.
The 25-year-old, who played for the Bulldogs and West Tigers, was arrested by Strike Force Verbena police yesterday during a training session held at a park on Alfred Road in Brookvale by the Blacktown Workers, a NSW Cup feeder team to the Manly Sea Eagles.
He was then brought to the Manly Police Station, where he was charged with participating in a criminal group, supplying a prohibited substance in an amount greater than or equal to a large commercial quantity, and supplying a prohibited substance in an amount less than or equal to a commercial quantity.
“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.
