Former Premier League star goes on trial accused of smuggling two TONS of cocaine and is also being investigated for alleged money laundering as he’s branded ‘major player in the drugs world’

A former Premier League star has gone on trial after being accused of smuggling two tons of cocaine.

The ex-player is also being investigated for alleged money laundering.

In addition, he was referred to by a prosecutor as a ‘major player in the drugs world.’ 

The former star was arrested in June along with his parents, brother and girlfriend. 

He must appear before a judge on November 28. 

Ronnie Stam, who played for Wigan between 2010 and 2013, is the former player who has gone on trial.

Stam also represented Twente and Standard Liege during his career as well as having two spells at NAC Breda. He won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 but didn’t feature in the final.

As reported by The Sun, Stam was arrested in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022. He has been on remand since then.

On Thursday a court in Breda heard that Stam was involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine. 

A prosecutor told the hearing: ‘This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.

‘I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.’ 

Stam wasn’t in court to hear the accusations against him.

In June police raided six homes and a camper van as part of the investigation. They found £85,000 in cash.

Stam, who played for Wigan and FC Twente, is also being investigated for alleged money laundering

Police seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.

Stam is the only family member who remains in custody, with his lawyer asking for him to be provisionally released.

The judge refused, with there being concerns that Stam could flee to Dubai to join his brother.