Sergio Contreras, nicknamed “Koke,” the ex-Marseille attacker from 2004 to 2006, is on trial today for drug trafficking.
He is risking up to 16 years in prison in front of a Malaga court – Iberian media affirm that he is suspected of having been heavily involved in, and potentially leading, a drug ring network spanning across multiple European countries.
On top of the potential jail term, Koke is also risking a fine of up to €15m. This is the second time that Koke has been pursued by Spanish justice in this realm, having recently been imprisoned for 20 months and paid €15k to get out on bail.
According to the prosecution, the footballer’s key role in this network was through his being in charge of operations and giving orders on the quantities of drugs to buy, at what price, where to take them and what type of vehicle to hire for transport them. The investigation led to the discovery of a large number of telephone conversations during which Koke exchanged information with other members of the organisation on how to manage some of the large shipments that they were handling.
Koke is being judged today before the Provincial Court of Malaga, a trial that will involve 17 defendants linked to this organisation, including his partner and his brother.
His accomplices, accused of crimes including the possession of weapons, are facing up to four years in prison. Born and formed as a youth player in Malaga, Koke was bought by OM for €700,000 from Malaga in 2004. In a season and a half at the Canebière, the Spaniard played 32 Ligue 1 matches and scored 6 goals.
James Thorpe | GFFN
