Up to six more Gold Coast footballers could be targeted in the cocaine ring investigation that has rocked Queensland sport, reports say.
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The CCC confirmed investigations were continuing into a cocaine trafficking syndicate in the state's south-east that has already seen code-hopper Karmichael Hunt plead guilty to four counts of cocaine possession and several other footballers charged with supply.
But a spokeswoman wouldn't comment on reports by News Limited on Sunday that up to six Gold Coast Suns, Titans and former players could be targeted.
"The CCC investigation that is focused on a cocaine trafficking syndicate operating in south-east Queensland remains ongoing," she said.
"There are a number of related matters currently before the courts, on that basis, the CCC is unable to comment beyond the statements on its website"
The spokeswoman pointed to previous CCC comments stressing the investigation was targeting a cocaine syndicate "not focused on any potential broader drug use in sport".
Hunt, who spent four seasons with the Suns before moving to the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby, was fined $2,500 for the offences.
Follow-up action from from rugby union authorities saw him fined $30,000, suspended for six weeks, and stripped of his vice-captaincy.
Hunt was one of several present and former football players across two codes caught in a Crime and Corruption sting targeting cocaine trafficking in South East Queensland.
The investigation targeted former Sydney Roosters player John Touma, who played under the name John Thomas, and is accused of playing a key role in a drug syndicate along with former Rooster John Raymond Tobin and a third man, Peter Ierhias Kassiotes.
Current Titans players Greg Bird, Dave Taylor, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Beau Falloon and Jamie Dowling are all fighting cocaine supply charges, along with former players Ashley Harrison and Joe Vickery.
A warrant is out for the arrest on supply charges of former Titan Steve Michaels, who is playing in the English Super League with Hull.
The CCC had previously suggested the arrests of Harrison and Michaels would be the last from the field of professional sport – barring any new evidence.
- With staff reporters
