Former St Kilda player Sam Fisher has been arrested in Melbourne after being accused of trafficking large amounts of illicit drugs across Australia.
The 39-year-old had his Sandringham home raided early on Wednesday morning, where quantities of methylamphetamine, 1, 4-Butanediol and a Mercedes-Benz were seized as alleged profits of crime.
The former footballer was officially charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity.
Police will allege that Fisher is behind a large package of drugs that was intercepted in Western Australia on April 20, which allegedly contained 1kg of ice and 84g of cocaine concealed inside a kitchen appliance.
Earlier that day, WA Police discovered a parcel containing just shy of $130,000 allegedly directed to Fisher’s Melbourne address.
“Police will allege that drugs of independence were regularly being concealed in white goods and sent from Melbourne to Perth,” a statement from Victoria Police read.
Victoria Police Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said the investigation was ongoing, but that authorities had a strong case.
“This is a warning that regardless of where you are or where you operate, we will target those involved in the manufacture and trafficking of illicit drugs and hold them to account,” he said.
“There may be a perception drugs can be easily concealed; however, we have seen time and time again the ability of police to detect and seize these substances.”
The arrest marks a dramatic fall from grace for the former All-Australian and St Kilda best and fairest winner, who retired at the end of the 2016 season after playing 228 games for the Saints.
Fisher was considered one of the best defenders in the competition as part of a St Kilda team that played in consecutive Grand Finals in 2009 and 2010.
The matter was mentioned in Melbourne Magistrates Court, before being adjourned until August.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, or up to 5000 penalty units in Victoria.
Fisher remains in custody.
