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The troubled AFL star admits he is a drug addict but denies dealing $230,000 worth of cocaine and methamphetamine hidden at a Harvey Norman ranch
- Sam Fisher allegedly smuggled $230,000 worth of drugs from Victoria to Perth
- The former Saints star pleaded not guilty to eight drug-related charges on Monday
- Fisher was arrested May 18 as part of a larger investigation into drug trafficking.
- Police seized more than 13 grams of methylamphetamine from his home
- Fisher played 13 AFL seasons with the Saints, retiring in 2016
A former AFL star accused of smuggling $230,000 worth of drugs between Melbourne and Perth at a Harvey Norman ranch is set to contest the charges in a jury trial.
Sam Fisher, 39, pleaded not guilty Monday in Melbourne Magistrate Court to eight charges, including trafficking in a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and cocaine.
If convicted, Fisher faces a life behind bars.
He appeared in court via video link alongside high-profile criminal lawyer Dermot Dann, QC, who will represent him when the matter reaches Victoria County Court next year.
Fisher was charged under a joint investigation between detectives from Western Australia and Victoria.
Police allege that Fisher arranged for a package containing one kilogram of methylamphetamine and 84 grams of cocaine to be shipped from Melbourne to Perth.
Sam Fisher faces years behind bars if convicted on major drug charges
Police searched the former St Kilda star’s home and seized more than 13 grams of methylamphetamine and nearly two liters of 1,4-butanediol.
High-profile criminal lawyer Dermot Dann, QC (pictured) will represent Sam Fisher at trial
The drugs, allegedly hidden inside a fume hood, were seized by WA police on April 20 this year.
Fisher was allegedly caught on CCTV buying the range hood from Harvey Norman in Moorabbin, south-east of Melbourne’s central business district, and leaving the package at a nearby cafe on the morning of April 20.
A courier then picked up the package and brought it to the airport, police allege.
WA detectives also intercepted a second package on April 20 containing $129,000 and headed for Melbourne.
Perth man Julien Morvan was arrested and charged on April 21 in connection with the seizure.
Police searched his phone and allegedly found messages between Morvan and Fisher related to the drugs contained in the intercepted package.
Officers arrested Fisher on May 18 and searched his Sandringham home, seizing more than 13 grams of methylamphetamine and nearly two liters of 1,4-butanediol.
Sam Fisher (pictured) has retained top criminal lawyer Dermot Dann, QC to defend him
Former AFL star Sam Fisher (seen here in 2011) is charged with trafficking $230,000 worth of drugs after being arrested in Melbourne last month.
Twice St Kilda’s best and fairest, Fisher (right) admitted to a drug addiction.
Fisher played 13 seasons and 228 games for the Saints before retiring in 2016.
Police also found $985 in cash, a human growth hormone kit, and three cell phones.
A former All-Australian and two-time St Kilda’s best and fairest, Fisher admits to a drug addiction but denies the trafficking allegations.
The 39-year-old man began using 30 ml of GHB one day after their relationship broke down and he became increasingly isolated during the pandemic, Dann told the court during a hearing in June.
On Monday, the court heard that Fisher had now withdrawn from a rehab clinic and was residing in Craigieburn, north of Melbourne.
Fisher remains free in the community with a $25,000 guarantee.
The court heard that police would rely heavily on CCTV footage obtained from Harvey Norman, where they claim Fisher was caught taking possession of the range hood.
Forensic testing of the incriminating package found evidence of female DNA and did not find Fisher linked through fingerprints or DNA.
The 39-year-old, who has no criminal record, is understood to maintain the support of the AFL Players’ Association and his family.
He will appear in Victoria County Court in January.