Brandon Wakeham has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged prohibited drug supply.
The former Bulldogs and Tigers playmaker, who now plays with NSW Cup team Blacktown Workers, a feeder club to Manly Sea Eagles, was arrested at training on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old, as well as two other men, were charged following their arrests.
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Wakeham will face court on Thursday after being refused bail.
Brandon Wakeham drugs charges
On Thursday morning, Manly released a statement to confirm Wakeham had been arrested and the NRL Integrity Unit had been made aware of the matter.
"The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been made aware of an incident involving Brandon Wakeham, a Blacktown Workers contracted player, who has been arrested and charged on drug-related matters," the statement
"The club understands he is scheduled to appear in Manly Court today, and confirms that it has notified the NRL integrity unit that it will fully cooperate in all aspects of the matter."
On Thursday morning, police confirmed three men had been arrested and charged as part of Strike Force Verbena.
A 47-year-old man was arrested in Ramsgate and charged with 10 offences, while $10 million in assets were frozen.
An arrest of a 24-year-old man in Chester Hill resulted in the seizure of 1kg of MDMA, 56 grams of cocaine and $50,000 in cash.
Wakeham was arrested at Brookvale Oval before police carried out a search at a home in Bexley, reportedly seizing a "dedicated encrypted criminal communication device."
"During a subsequent search warrant at an apartment in Bexley, police located and seized a DECCD and other items relevant to their investigation," the police statement confirmed.
"He was taken to Manly Police Station, where he was charged with take part supply prohibited drug greater than large commercial quantity, take part supply prohibited drug (greater than indictable & less than commercial quantity), and participate in a criminal group."
Brandon Wakeham stats
Wakeham made his first-grade debut with the Bulldogs in 2019.
He'd go on to play 25 games with Canterbury before moving to the Tigers, where he'd feature 15 times in the top grade.
After one season with the Tigers, he joined the Manly-linked Blacktown Workers for the 2024 season.
The halfback has made 10 international appearances for Fiji.
