PARIS — A member of the Australian Olympic team was issued a criminal warning in Paris after attempting to buy cocaine. This allowed his release from custody, prosecutors revealed on Wednesday.
The Paris prosecutor’s office issued a statement outlining that police intervened in a drug transaction outside a building in the 9th arrondissement of Paris overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday. They indicated that the investigation is being transferred to a police anti-drug unit for further scrutiny.
Prosecutors identified the alleged buyer as a 28-year-old member of the Australian field hockey team. The suspected seller, a 17-year-old, was also taken into custody.
Paris prosecutors stated that the Olympic athlete was brought before a magistrate on Wednesday to receive a criminal warning.
Under French law, a criminal warning is an alternative to prosecution specifically designed for first-time offenders. This is contingent on their admission of guilt and refraining from any further criminal activity within a two-year period.
The Australian Olympic Committee released a statement confirming that no charges have been filed. They emphasized their continued efforts to conduct inquiries and provide support to the affected team member.
Neither Australian officials nor Paris prosecutors disclosed the identity of the athlete.
A spokesperson for the International Hockey Federation (FIH) declined to comment. They indicated that the organization lacked any information beyond the statement released by the Australian Olympic Committee.
Australia’s men’s and women’s teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Notably, the men’s team secured a silver medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021.