Former Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers rugby league player Brandon Wakeham has allegedly been arrested by law enforcement authorities as part of a significant investigation into suspected drug distribution. The Sydney Morning Herald was the first to report on Wednesday evening that Wakeham, currently contracted with the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles, a feeder team for the Manly Sea Eagles, was taken into custody.
According to 9News Sydney, Wakeham has purportedly been charged with involvement in large-scale drug supply and is scheduled to appear in court today after spending the night in police custody. Reportedly, two other individuals were also charged following the discovery of 1kg of MDMA and 56 grams of cocaine.
Wakeham, who last played in the NRL with the Wests Tigers in 2023, has accumulated 40 NRL appearances since his debut in 2019, split between the Bulldogs and the Tigers. Renowned for his role as a playmaker in the halves, he has represented Fiji on eight occasions at the international level.
This development marks the second instance of a drug-related incident involving an NRL player within the past month, following the charging of Cronulla Sharks player Braydon Trindall for failing an alcohol and drug test roadside on April 22. However, Trindall is slated to potentially return this week after being included in the 22-man squad for their upcoming Magic Round clash against the Sydney Roosters.
The arrest and charges against Wakeham are part of an ongoing investigation under Strike Force Verbena, a collaborative effort between the NSW Police Force’s Drug and Firearms Squad, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC) targeting alleged drug distribution networks led by a 47-year-old individual and his associates.
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