Australian field hockey player caught trying to buy cocaine at Olympics

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

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

According to the Paris prosecutor's office, Craig was apprehended while allegedly trying to purchase one 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 on 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 reported that "no charges have been laid" and is "continuing to make inquiries and arrange support for the team member."

Following a summary hearing, Craig was given a probationary criminal warning for drug use. A spokesperson from the prosecutor's office explained that the hockey player was presented to a prosecutor’s delegate for this warning after his police custody.

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

Local residents of Rue Douai in the Pigalle district, where the arrest occurred, described the area as known for drug activity. One resident noted, "There is 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 historical red-light area, is a popular nightlife spot, featuring the renowned Moulin Rouge.

After his release, Craig publicly apologised for his actions. “First, I’d like to apologise for what has occurred over the past 24 hours,” Craig stated. “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’ve embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”

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