Former Australia spinner Stuart MacGill to face trial regarding drug importing allegations

Stuart MacGill, the former Australian Test cricketer once hailed for his brilliant leg-spin bowling, is now facing a dark chapter in his life as he prepares for trial over allegations of involvement in a cocaine access deal. The 53-year-old, cricketing career coincided with the late Shane Warne.

MacGill's troubles began in April 2021 when he was allegedly kidnapped from his home in North Sydney by a group of armed men. The traumatic incident, which left him "stripped, beaten, threatened, and dumped," as he later revealed on the Australian radio network SEN in 2022 as reported by Hindu, was seemingly connected to a drug deal. Police alleged that MacGill attempted to import one kilogram of cocaine, worth over AUD $300,000, a charge he vehemently denies.

The former spinner appeared in Sydney's Downing Center Local Court on Thursday, where his case was adjourned until April 12 for the charges. If found guilty, MacGill could face a lengthy prison sentence for his alleged role in the drug importation case.

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Stuart MacGill played 44 Test matches for Australia

According to police investigations, Stuart MacGill's kidnapping was directly linked to his participation in the drug deal. One of the six individuals allegedly involved in his abduction was the brother of his former wife.

“In April 2021, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Robbery & Serious Crime Squad commenced an investigation into drug supply arising out of the alleged kidnapping of a man on Sydney’s Lower North Shore in April 2021. Following extensive inquiries, about taking on Tuesday, 12 September 2023, strike force detectives arrested a 52-year-old man at Chatswood Police Station, where he was charged with knowingly taking part in supplying a prohibited drug of large commercial quantity. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Thursday, 26 October 2023,” a New South Wales Police statement read.

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Notably, the former cricketer made his Test debut against South Africa in 1998. MacGill's cricketing career spanned 44 Test matches and three ODIs for Australia between 1998 and 2008 where he picked 208 and six wickets, respectively.