Bombshell twist in case of footy star Brandon Wakeham who faced possible life in jail for allegedly dealing huge amounts of drugs
- Was arrested during training while trying to rebuild NRL career
- Brandon Wakeham tried to save it with Manly
Former NRL star Brandon Wakeham has dismissed all drug supply charges following a high-profile case that emerged from an eight-month investigation.
Wakeham, a former halfback for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, was arrested at Brookvale Oval in May when he arrived at training for NSW Cup side Blacktown Workers, the former feeder club of the Manly Sea Eagles.
Police alleged Wakeham was involved in drug trafficking after seizing a kilo of MDMA in a wider 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 to Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks at the Sea Eagles.
Initially accused of participating in drug trafficking and involvement in a criminal group, all charges against Wakeham were dropped at a court hearing in Sydney this week.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Former NRL halfback Brandon Wakeham (pictured) had a series of extremely serious charges dropped in court this week
Pictured: The moment Wakeham was arrested as he arrived for training with the Manly Sea Eagles in May this year
Wakeham’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, stressed that his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing, and that his innocence had now been confirmed by the dismissal of the charges.
Wakeham was suspended under the NRL’s ‘no-fault stand-down’ policy but can now focus on rebuilding his career and life.
“Throughout this trial, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we have fought for him with the same conviction,” Tabchouri told the newspaper. Sydney Morning Herald.
“Today’s outcome, with the charges against him dropped and dismissed, is vindication for Brandon and the fact that he never did anything wrong.
‘Brandon is very happy with the outcome and is now trying to rebuild his life after going through a very difficult time.’
Police raided Wakeham’s apartment in May and he was granted bail at 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 cases of drug supply, according to court proceedings.
The former Fiji international was withdrawn by the NRL under the no-fault system while the court case was still ongoing
The case involved other high-profile suspects, including businessman Sam Amine and his cousin Nabil Allouche, who face multiple charges including supplying commercial drugs.
Police have also frozen $10 million in Amine’s assets in connection with the investigation.
Amine previously made headlines in 2021 when he reportedly escaped a kidnapping and extortion attempt in Sydney.
The investigation also reportedly seized significant money, drugs and firearms.