Ex-State of Origin league star Jason Smith charged with drug trafficking

Jason Smith in his heyday. He was arrested on Monday. Photo / Getty Images

A former Australian rugby league star has been charged with trafficking 280g of cocaine.

Jason Smith, 42, and restaurateur Jason Matthew Wood, 34, were arrested on Monday following a joint investigation by the Crime and Corruption Commission and Queensland police.

During his lengthy rugby league career Smith represented Australia in 15 tests with the Bulldogs and also played at State of Origin level.

Smith moved to Toowoomba in 2007 after finishing up his NRL career. He now owns a pub called the Mill Street Tavern in the Queensland town.

Smith's impressive rugby career started with clubs in North Queensland, Canterbury and Parramatta. He also played in the Toowoomba Rugby League cup in 2011 and 2012.

According to The Chronicle newspaper, police will allege that the pair managed to smuggle 280g of cocaine into Toowoomba last year.

Det. Supt. Schmidt told The Chronicle that no drugs were found when officers searched the residence section of a pub owned by Smith and Wood's home.

Wood will also face a cocaine possession charge after he was caught in possession of an "eight ball" or 3.5g of cocaine on the Gold Coast.

Both Smith and Wood will appear before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on February 11.

- Daily Mail