Former Carlton player Ron De Iulio admits drug trafficking in police interview

Former Blues player Ron De Iulio has been arrested after drugs, deal bags and cash were found in a raid on his home.

Former Carlton player Ron De Iulio has been arrested after police uncovered drugs during a raid on his home. Picture: David Crosling

Former Carlton footballer Ron De Iulio says he wants to “do better” after a police raid exposed him as a drug trafficker.

The Herald Sun can reveal De Iulio, 51, was arrested after drugs, deal bags and cash – and a notebook containing prices and names of his clients – were seized at his Melbourne apartment in ­February.

In a frank police interview, he admitted he would pay about $10,000 for the drugs, mostly methamphetamine, and onsell it to make a profit of $1500.

De Iulio, who played more than 100 games with the Blues during the 1990s, said he had about “half a dozen” recurring customers who he conducted deals with in “two-second transactions”.

De Iulio has admitted to police of his alleged drug trafficking. Picture: Allsport

Ron De Iulio leaves the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.Picture: David Crosling

He would sell the illicit substances to fund his own smoking habits and “get by”, he said.

Supporting himself with crutches, De Iulio, 51, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday where magistrate Brett Sonnet described his ­offending as a “fall from grace”.

De Iulio pleaded guilty to trafficking a drug of dependence, dealing in proceeds of crime and possessing ecstasy.

He also admitted possessing an explosive weapon after police found an illegal Chinese firecracker in his Liverpool St property.

It comes after he faced court in April last year on other drug offences, in which he avoided a conviction after successfully completing a six-month good behaviour diversion program.

De Iulio, pictured taking on Melbourne great David Schwarz, told police he had recurrent customers to whom he allegedly sold drugs.

He then told the court the publicity surrounding his arrest and subsequent health issues had been the “wake-up call” he needed.

At the time, he was undergoing rehabilitation for his drug battles, which had increased during Covid lockdowns due to his isolation.

He was also recovering in hospital after he suffered a stroke in September 2021, and months later almost lost his leg when struck by a scooter.

But his lawyer Zoe Davis this week said the series of health setbacks meant De Iulio was “reckless” and began using drugs again.

“In the period after being released from hospital, obviously foolishly and for no justification he has reverted back to drugs,” Ms Davis said. “He continues to go through rehab. He has ceased all drug use.”

Carlton's Ron De Iulio during his 100th game for the club. Picture: A/CT.

De Iulio now has a full-time NDIS carer. Picture: David Crosling

In pushing for mercy to be shown, Ms Davis said the offending was “highly unsophisticated” and that her client’s health concerns would make any time behind bars more ­onerous.

She said De Iulio had a “permanent impairment” requiring daily management of medications and appointments, and that he now has a full-time NDIS carer.

“It is noted that he is extremely lucky to be alive,” she said.

Ms Davis also pointed to De Iulio’s previous good character and his “very long and fruitful professional sporting career”.

“He’s had a very fruitful and honest and successful life,” she said.

“He’s a community figure. He has been in the public eye.

“He’s now reached a point here, he has tarnished that. He wants to do better.”

The prosecution said De Iulio should be imprisoned, arguing drug offences were “a substantial evil” and “prevalent” in our community.

But they conceded a community correction order would also be a suitable punishment.

Mr Sonnet told De Iulio he had “the capacity to turn your life around”.

“I am satisfied you are deserving of one final chance,” the magistrate said.

He placed De Iulio on a two-year good behaviour bond without conviction, and ordered he donate $5000 to the Salvation Army.