Hunt arrested on cocaine charges

 

The charges against the Queensland Reds vice-captain follow an operation by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission and he was arrested on Thursday.

 

The CCC released a statement on Friday which said they had charged four people – three men and a woman – as part of an investigation into a cocaine trafficking syndicate in southeast Queensland.

 

Hunt, a former NRL and AFL player, is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on March 5.

 

"During an investigation focused on a cocaine trafficking syndicate operating in southeast Queensland, these four individuals were identified contacting the syndicate and arranging for the supply of cocaine," the CCC said in a statement.

 

The revelation shocked both the Queensland Rugby Union and the Australian Rugby Union, who were scrambling to respond to the news.

 

The Queensland Reds were in crisis mode with costly off-season signing Hunt having been named to play at fullback against the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.

 

The ARU and QRU released a joint statement on Thursday.

 

"The ARU's Integrity team and the Queensland Rugby Union are making enquiries into the reports," the statement said.

 

"We'll be in a position to comment in more detail once those enquiries have progressed."

 

Titans chief executive Graham Annesley had no knowledge of the arrests but says the club is investigating the reports.

 

Hunt's former AFL club Gold Coast released a statement shortly after the ARU and QRU.

 

"The Gold Coast Suns have been made aware of charges laid against Karmichael Hunt through the media reports this morning [Froday]," the club said.

 

"As this matter is now before the court, it would be inappropriate to make any comment."

 

If proven, the charges threaten to end a glittering sporting career just when Hunt appeared in the mix to cap it by playing for the Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup later this year.

 

A former rugby league international and Brisbane Broncos NRL star, Hunt joined the Reds this season following his four-year stint in the AFL.

 

The time frame of the alleged offences between June and December covers the period when Hunt was at the Suns and then joined the Reds.