Matt Ehalt
Australian men’s field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested and placed in custody after allegedly attempting to buy cocaine during the 2024 Paris Games, according to multiple reports.
Craig, 28, departed a team function Tuesday night and just 15 minutes later was arrested for allegedly buying one gram of cocaine from a street dealer, according to the Herald Sun.
The dealer was also arrested and taken into custody, and the individual allegedly had seven cocaine vials and 75 ecstasy pills in their possession, per the report.
“The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has confirmed an Australian hockey team member is in custody after being arrested in Paris on August 6th. No charges have been laid,” the AOC said in a statement, according to the Herald Sun.
“The AOC is continuing to make inquiries and arrange support for the Team member.”
Australia’s Tom Craig was arrested for allegedly buying cocaine. DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Australia’s men’s hockey team run at the Paris Olympics ended Sunday with a 2-0 quarterfinals loss to the Netherlands, and the outlet reported several of the team members went out on the town Tuesday.
Tom Craig celebrates after scoring at the Olympics on Aug. 2, 2024. Getty Images
Team members had been told they had 48 hours to leave the Olympic Village after their ouster but could potentially stay longer, per the Herald Sun.
“Police officers who witnessed a cocaine transaction at the foot of a building in the 9th arrondissement, on the night of August 6 to 7, arrested the seller, born in December 2006, and the buyer, born in September 1995 in Australia and who is said to be a member of the Australian field hockey team,” a Paris police department spokesman said, according to the Herald Sun.
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“With regard to the quantities of narcotics seized from the seller, the investigations have been entrusted to the Narcotics Squad.”
The Herald Sun reported that Craig seems “unlikely” to face more than a fine due to a 2020 law in France that limits punishments for those caught with small amounts of narcotics, including less than five grams of cocaine.
Craig may have to pay as little as 150€ (roughly $164).
Craig, a forward hailing from New South Wales, won a silver medal with Australia during the Tokyo games in 2021 and made his first Olympics appearance in the 2016 Rio Games.
