Former Australian Olympic star on drug charges

Former world champion kayaker Nathan Baggaley. AFP FILE PHOTO

SYDNEY – Former world champion kayaker Nathan Baggaley, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, appeared in court Monday accused of being part of a syndicate manufacturing and supplying amphetamines.

The 37-year-old Australian, who won his Olympic medals at the 2004 Athens Games, pleaded not guilty to six charges including manufacturing a prohibited drug, supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and conspiring to import drugs.

The former Australian Athlete of the Year was one of three members of the alleged syndicate who were arrested on Friday.

Baggaley, who won gold medals at the Canoe Sprint World Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2005, did not apply for bail when he faced the Lismore Local Court as his heavily pregnant girlfriend reportedly shook and wept.

The case was adjourned until December 17 with Baggaley remanded in custody.