Williams on cocaine-buying count
Ex-All Black Ali Williams has been charged in Paris after being arrested for allegedly buying two grams of cocaine for NZ$260, according to French news reports.
Williams and former Wallabies back James O’Connor were detained in Paris on Saturday (NZ time) after allegedly meeting with drug dealers in front of plainclothes police officers, while partying during a one-week break for the Top 14 competition.
On Monday morning (NZ time), the pair were released from custody, it was reported. They had earlier been transferred from a sobering cell as narcotics officers continue their investigations.
AFP reported Williams was facing a charge of buying narcotics and O’Connor had been charged with drug use.
It was also reported that initial indications from the police investigation alleged that Williams tested negative for the drug, while O’Connor tested positive.
They were due to appear in court, though no dates were reported.
A police source reportedly told AFP that plainclothes officers saw Williams in a car with two suspected drug dealers while O’Connor was outside and appeared to be acting as a lookout.
When they were challenged, Williams attempted to get rid of the cocaine by throwing it away, added the police source.
The Huffington Postwebsite also reported the charges. It said the police found two grams of cocaine. An unnamed police source claimed one of the drug dealers told investigators they had sold cocaine to the players for 180 euros (NZ$260), the Huffington Post report said.
Williams has faced a rapid backlash. His French rugby club says his arrest for allegedly buying cocaine has ‘‘tarnished’’ its image, with he and fellow former All Black Dan Carter proving a headache for Racing 92 so far this year.
Williams was suspended by Racing 92, where he is a player and special adviser.
The National Rugby League (NRL) which runs France’s Top 14 championship, said that ‘‘if confirmed, these facts would constitute a serious breach of the obligations of professional rugby players, the ethics of our sport and its image’’ and the pair would face ‘‘disciplinary action’’.
Earlier, Racing 92 captain Henry Chavancy said Williams’ arrest had been unhelpful for the team, which was rocked by Carter’s arrest for drink-driving earlier this month.
Carter and former NZ international team-mate Joe Rokocoko, who also plays for Racing 92, were also under investigation by the French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) after testing positive for a banned substance, corticosteroids, late last year.
‘‘It’s a complicated year for us, at an extra-sporting level, in any case,’’ Chavancy said.
Of Williams’ arrest, Chavancy said: ‘‘It’s a new affair that is tarnishing the club’s image . . . [Williams is] someone I appreciate a lot and I’m not going to hound him without knowing the ins and outs of this story.’’