- Was arrested at training while trying to rebuild NRL career
- Brandon Wakeham was trying to make it with Manly
Former NRL star Brandon Wakeham has had all drug supply charges against him dismissed following a high-profile case stemming from an eight-month investigation.
Wakeham, a former Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers halfback, was arrested in May at Brookvale Oval when he arrived at training for NSW Cup side Blacktown Workers, the former feeder club for the Manly Sea Eagles.
Police alleged that Wakeham was involved in drug supply after seizing one kilogram of MDMA in a broader sting.
The 25-year-old played 15 games for the Tigers last year before dropping down a level in the hope of serving as back-up for Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks at the Sea Eagles.
Initially charged with participating in drug supply and involvement in a criminal group, all charges against Wakeham were withdrawn at a Sydney court hearing this week.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Former NRL halfback Brandon Wakeham (pictured) had a raft of extremely serious charges dropped in court this week
Pictured: The moment Wakeham was arrested when he arrived for training with the Manly Sea Eagles in May this year
Wakeham’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, emphasised that his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing, with his innocence now validated by the charges’ dismissal.
Wakeham was suspended under the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy but can now focus on rebuilding his career and life.
‘Throughout this process, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we fought for him with the same belief,’ Tabchouri told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Today’s result, with the charges withdrawn and dismissed against him, is a vindication for Brandon and the fact that he never did anything wrong.
‘Brandon is very happy with the result and now seek to rebuild his life, having endured a very difficult time.’
Police raided Wakeham’s apartment in May, after which he was granted bail in Manly Local Court.
The Fijian international, with 40 NRL games to his name, was allegedly in the passenger seat of a vehicle involved in two alleged instances of drug supply, according to court proceedings.
The former Fiji international was stood down by the NRL under its no-fault system while the court case was ongoing
The case involved other high-profile suspects, including businessman Sam Amine and his nephew Nabil Allouche, who face multiple charges, including commercial drug supply.
Police also froze $10million of Amine’s assets in connection with the investigation.
Amine had previously made headlines in 2021 when he reportedly escaped a kidnapping and extortion attempt in Sydney.
The investigation had also allegedly seized significant cash, drugs, and firearms.