- He was arrested at training while trying to rebuild his NRL career.
- Brandon Wakeham was trying to make it big 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 team Blacktown Workers, the former feeder club to the Manly Sea Eagles.
Police alleged Wakeham was involved in the supply of drugs after seizing a kilogram of MDMA in a wider operation.
The 25-year-old played 15 games for the Tigers last year before dropping down in hopes of serving as backup to Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks at the Sea Eagles.
Initially accused of being involved in the supply of drugs and being involved in a criminal group, all charges against Wakeham were dropped at a court hearing in Sydney this week.
The charges carry a maximum penalty 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 when he arrived to train with the Manly Sea Eagles in May this year.
Wakeham’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, emphasized that his client had consistently denied any wrongdoing, and his innocence was now validated by the dismissal of the charges.
Wakeham was suspended under the NRL’s no-fault suspension policy but can now focus on rebuilding his career and life.
“Throughout this process, Brandon has maintained his innocence and we fight for him with the same belief,” Tabchouri told the 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 result and is now looking to rebuild his life, after having gone through a very difficult time.”
Police raided Wakeham’s flat in May, after which he was granted bail at Manly Local Court.
The Fiji international, with 40 NRL games to his name, was allegedly in the passenger seat of a vehicle involved in two alleged drug supply cases, according to court proceedings.
The former Fiji international was suspended by the NRL under its no-fault system while the court case was ongoing.
The case involves other high-profile suspects, including businessman Sam Amine and his nephew Nabil Allouche, who face multiple charges including commercial drug supply.
Police also froze $10 million 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.
Significant amounts of cash, drugs and firearms were also reportedly seized in the investigation.