League: Ex-Aussie star flees drug raid

BRISBANE - A former rugby league international was last night on the run on the Gold Coast after fleeing a police drug raid.

Police set up road blocks and called in a helicopter and the dog squad after Chris Nahi, 32, ran into bushland between Nerang and Carrara at about 8.30am (11.30am NZT) yesterday.

The search began after Nahi allegedly drove into Matheson Close at Carrara with another man as police were searching a house for drugs.

Nahi spotted police and fled the scene before allegedly jumping into a truck, forcing the driver to take him as far as Nerang. He then ran off into bushland.

Nahi, a former second rower, played with Brisbane Easts and the now defunct Gold Coast Chargers clubs and played for the Rest of the World against Australia in 1997.

Police spokeswoman Sgt Kim McCoomb yesterday said police would continue to search for him into the night.

"We believe he's still virtually in the same area but we are waiting for people to call in with sightings of him at this stage," Sgt McCoomb said.

It was not clear if Nahi was armed, but police said the search of the house had turned up a 9mm loaded pistol and a quantity of drugs.

Police took fingerprints from a white car outside the house.

The public was urged not to approach Nahi, described as of Maori appearance, 190cm tall, of solid build, with black hair worn in a rat's tail.

He was heavily tattooed on both arms and when last seen was wearing a black singlet, knee-length denim shorts and joggers.

- AAP