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Karmichael Hunt has made an appearance at Reds training today after being served with a notice around supplying an illegal substance between June and December in 2014.
Hunt is understood to have been found with a small amount of cocaine in his possession towards the end of last year, and spoke to Reds personnel today to inform them of his side of the story.
He was served with the notice by Queensland authorities but the quantities of the cocaine he is believed to have been carrying which led to the charges is up in the air.
In Queensland law, supply can be considered giving, distributing, selling, administering or transporting drugs, or preparing or offering to do any of those actions.
Tellingly, the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission said that the supply of the drug was for “personal use or to on-supply cocaine to friends and colleagues between June and December 2014”.
The Roar understands that Hunt was found in possession of a small amount of cocaine towards the end of last year.
Hunt is understood to have been open with Reds personnel. Sources say Hunt was confident that the incident should never be construed as anything beyond the “personal use” mentioned by the CCC.
The distinctions around what can be considered ‘supply’ under Queensland law should be noted, with the Queensland Government’s own guidelines saying supply can be “Just giving one of your pills to a friend.”
“As well as the type and quantity of drugs involved, other factors are considered when evaluating the seriousness of a supply offence, such as if you were involved with supplying drugs to a child or near a school.”
Last night, Hunt was served with a notice to appear in court on March 5.
Reds players and officials were said to be shocked at the revelations, which were explained by Hunt at Ballymore today.
Hunt is one of four people, including two Gold Coast Titans players, “arranging the supply of cocaine during an ongoing drug trafficking investigation,” according to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC).
“The CCC will allege that during an investigation focused on a cocaine trafficking syndicate operating in South East Queensland, these four individuals were identified contacting the syndicate and arranging for the supply of cocaine.”
There is also doubt around whether the match against the Force will take place tomorrow, with extreme weather conditions expected in Brisbane.
The Reds have also announced that Hunt will not play this weekend against the Force.
The Reds have released the following statement:
QRU confirms that Karmichael has been served with a Notice to Appear in Court. He is expected in Southport Magistrates Court on 5 March 2015.
QRU also wishes to clarify some misinformation currently being reported:
• Karmichael has not been arrested or charged. He has received a notice to appear.
• The period in question is not between June and December 2014. The period is between September 1 to 3 October 2014.
• Karmichael joined the Queensland Reds for official pre-season training on 24 November 2014. Karmichael’s formal contractual period with QRU commenced on 1 January 2015.QRU CEO Jim Carmichael said: “As this matter is due before the courts on 5 March and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation by the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission the QRU will not be in a position to determine a formal course of action until legal proceedings have concluded, as we will not be prejudicing the player’s legal, contractual or natural rights.
“However, it has been determined by QRU, ARU and the Rugby Union Players’ Association and after discussion with Karmichael that it would be best for his welfare that he is not available for selection this weekend.”
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