Former Premier League star goes on trial accused of smuggling two TONS of cocaine and is also being investigated for alleged money laundering as he’s branded ‘major player in the drugs world’

A former Premier League star is on trial after being accused of smuggling two tonnes of cocaine.

The ex-player is also under investigation for alleged money laundering.

Furthermore, he was described by a public prosecutor as a ‘major player in the drug world’.

The former star was arrested in June, along with his parents, brother and girlfriend.

He is due to appear in court on November 28.

Ronnie Stam, who played for Wigan between 2010 and 2013, is the former player on trial.

Stam also represented Twente and Standard Liège during his career and played twice for NAC Breda. He won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013, but did not reach the final.

As reported by The sunStam was arrested in June on suspicion of drug offenses in 2021 and 2022. He has been in pre-trial detention since then.

Stam, who played for Wigan and FC Twente, is also being investigated for alleged money laundering

On Thursday, the court in Breda heard that Stam was involved in the trade in 2,217 kilos of cocaine.

A public prosecutor said during the hearing: ‘In this case, we are always dealing with hundreds of kilos of cocaine.

“I maintain that Stam was a major player in the drug world.”

Stam was not in court to hear the charges against him.

In June, police searched six homes and a camper van as part of the investigation, finding £85,000 in cash.

Police seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewelry.

Stam is the only family member still in custody. His lawyer has requested his provisional release.

The judge denied this request, as there were concerns that Stam would flee to Dubai to join his brother.