Former NRL player Brandon Wakeham has drug charges withdrawn in Sydney court

Serious drug charges against former NRL playmaker Brandon Wakeham have been withdrawn and dismissed months after his lawyer said there was “no evidence” against him.

Former NRL playmaker Brandon Wakeham had charges withdrawn and dismissed in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court after initially being arrested in May. Picture: NSW Police

Serious drug charges against former NRL playmaker Brandon Wakeham have been withdrawn and dismissed months after his lawyer said there was “no evidence” against him.

Brandon Wakeham was charged with taking part in commercial drug supply, taking part in indictable drug supply and participating in a criminal group.

The ex-Bulldogs and Wests Tigers half’s case was mentioned in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday before Magistrate Jennifer Price where the charges were chucked out.

After the decision, Wakeham’s lawyer Elias Tabchouri told this publication: “The charges being withdrawn and dismissed against Brandon is a testimony to the fact that Brandon was always innocent of the charges that were levelled against him.”

Brandon Wakeham (right) with his solicitor Elias Tabchouri outside Manly Local Court earlier this year.

“We have always believed in Brandon and have fought for him tirelessly. Today, Brandon is vindicated. He is extremely happy and looking forward to rebuilding his life after a very difficult and trying time.”

The 25-year-old was arrested in May after training with Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval.

Police had alleged Wakeham was involved in a drug supply operation with content creator Nabil Allouche which was directed by Sydney-based Fiji gym owner Sam Amine.

Sam Amine, Brandon Wakeham, and Nabil Allouche. Picture: NewsWire / Getty

Police alleged they located a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device and other items relevant to their investigation at a Bexley apartment before Wakeham was charged with two counts of participating in prohibited drug supply and participating in a criminal group.

Wakeham, a eight-game Fiji international, played 15 games for the Tigers in 2023 after four seasons with the Bulldogs where he turned out 25 appearances.

He signed for Manly for the 2024 season, but did not play first grade prior to his arrest.

Allouche and Amine, who both remain in custody on remand, were also mentioned in Downing Centre on Tuesday with their cases adjourned to January.

Allouche has 15 charges against him including two counts of large commercial drug supply while Amine is facing 10 charges including four counts of large commercial drug supply.

Neither men have entered a plea.

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