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Tom Craig, a member of the Australian Olympic men's field hockey team, has been released from custody following his arrest in Paris for allegedly attempting to purchase cocaine.
Craig tried to buy cocaine from underage seller
The 28-year-old athlete was detained by police on Tuesday night during a drug deal outside a building in the city's 9th district.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, Craig was apprehended while allegedly trying to buy one gram of cocaine from a 17-year-old seller, who was also taken into custody.
Both individuals were detained overnight and released on Wednesday afternoon without prosecution or a fine.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that an Australian hockey team member was arrested in Paris on August 6.
"No charges have been laid," the AOC said.
"The AOC is continuing to make inquiries and arrange for the team member."
Craig faced a summary hearing on Wednesday and was released with a probationary criminal warning for drug use.
"At the end of his police custody, the hockey player was presented to a delegate of the prosecutor for notification of a probationary criminal warning for drug use," a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office stated.
The incident occurred just 15 minutes after Craig left an Australian team function.
An image obtained by 7News shows Craig sitting on the pavement with his hands behind his back as officers conducted their investigation.
Craig issues public apology after arrest
Residents of Rue Douai, in the Pigalle district where the arrest took place, described the area as a hotspot for drug activity.
"There is always a lot going on outside our building," one resident said.
"The police make regular patrols along our street but usually the dealers just disappear. Last night appears to have been different and they arrested someone."
The Pigalle district, known for its historic red-light area, is a popular nightlife destination for tourists.
It is home to the famous Moulin Rouge burlesque club, surrounded by various sex shops and late-night bars.
Following his release, Craig addressed the media and expressed his remorse.
"First, I'd like to apologize for what has occurred over the past 24 hours," Craig said.
"I made a terrible mistake and I take full responsibility for my actions. My actions are my own and in no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport, and the Australian Olympic team. I've embarrassed you all and I'm truly sorry."
Craig was a key player in the Australian team that won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The investigation into Craig's case is being handled by the Narcotics Brigade of the Paris police.
Australia's men's field hockey team was eliminated in the Olympic quarterfinals earlier this week.