Brandon Smith has been hit with serious charges after Queensland Police confirmed he has been charged with supplying dangerous drugs and disclosing inside knowledge for betting purposes.
The South Sydney hooker was charged on August 20 following further inquiries by Taskforce Maxima, a branch of the Organised Crime Gangs Group.
The drug charge relates to allegations he supplied an illicit substance to another party, while the betting charge relates to the allegations of use or disclosure of inside knowledge to influence wagering outcomes.
It remains unclear what information Smith’s betting charges relate to while a police spokesperson released a statement.
“A 29-year-old man has been issued with a Summons by Queensland Police on August 20 for supplying dangerous drugs and using or disclosing inside knowledge for betting,” a spokesman said.
Queensland Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the alleged supply or betting activity have been made public at this stage.
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Smith had previously been stopped by police at the Gold Coast airport earlier this month before the Rabbitohs clash with the Titans, where he was questioned but released without charge and allowed to play that weekend.
Police have since escalated the matter with formal charges now laid, with Smith expected to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on September 18.
The NRL Integrity Unit had previously been made aware of Smith’s interaction with police at the airport but found no breach of rules at that time.
Late this afternoon, the Rabbitohs issued the following public statement in response to the charges and emerging reports:
"The South Sydney Rabbitohs are aware of allegations made by Queensland Police against player Brandon Smith.
The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the allegations.
As this matter is part of a Queensland Police investigation, the Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage."
The charges continue a long list of issues the Rabbitohs have faced this season, both on and off the field, in what has been a turbulent year.
Smith only arrived at Redfern mid season after the Roosters granted him a release to join their cross town rivals having only played 4 games so far in his Rabbitohs career.
The new charges are expected to place significant pressure on both Smith’s career and his immediate playing future at South Sydney.
Smith will face court in September where the next steps of the legal process will be determined.