Police have confirmed they made a dramatic drug bust in a private box at Suncorp Stadium during the NRL’s Magic Round.
The incident happened during the clash between Canterbury and Canberra on Friday night.
“A 37-year-old man was arrested at the NRL Magic Round on Friday, May 17, 2024 for alleged drug possession,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.
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It has been reported that the person involved was a guest of a Canterbury Bulldogs club sponsor.
The corporate box was on the sixth level of Suncorp Stadium and reportedly cost $10,000.
The arrest was made just before the game ended.
The Courier Mail reported that the “entire corporate suite” was evicted during the bust and sniffer dogs were called in.
Security were alerted after stadium staff noticed “suspicious” behaviour in the box.
There is no suggestion that the club or the sponsor (not a major sponsor) were involved.
“The Bulldogs have been made aware of an alleged incident involving a guest of a guest in a private suite at Magic Round,” Canterbury CEO Aaron Warburton.
“We understand that the matter in question was referred to the Queensland police.
“It is important to note that the incident did not involve an employee or registered official.
“The Bulldogs will fully co-operate with relevant authorities should they wish to review the matter further and remind all patrons to abide by stadium policies in line with the values of our game.”
Suncorp Stadium manager Alan Graham it was a matter for the police.
“There was an incident, but I can’t comment any further as it is now in the hands of Queensland police,” he said.
It has been an interesting few weeks for the NRL which has been dealing with several unwanted headlines.
Last Saturday Penrith’s Taylan May was charged over a domestic violence incident and just days before that the father of superstar Payne Haas, Gregor, was arrested in Cebu City for drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters have threatened fans with legal action after denying “damaging and unsubstantiated” claims that their players were using illicit drugs on a live stream ahead of their Magic Round clash with Cronulla.