POLICE are investigating the misuse of prescription drugs by some Sydney Roosters players, after charging first-grade hooker Jake Friend with illegally possessing Valium and searching star fullback Todd Carney.
Police patrolling Coogee Beach promenade allegedly saw Friend, 20, hand a pill to Carney, 23, as they stood near a car at 11.40pm Saturday.
Officers then searched the pair, allegedly finding a packet of seven Valium tablets on Friend. No pills were found on Carney and he was released without charges.
Police will allege the Valium tablets had been prescribed to a woman and that Friend had them illegally. He has been charged with two counts of possessing a prescribed substance over the Valium possession.
It is believed the players defended themselves to police and said the tablet consumed by Carney was simply Tramadol, a prescription drug provided by a doctor to treat pain.
Friend allegedly added that a doctor had provided him with three of the tablets. Tramadol is an analgesic which can produce a sense of euphoria in some users.
Police said their investigation into the incident would continue. Friend was granted bail to appear before Waverley Local Court on June 30.
Last month the Sydney Roosters reinstated Friend after sacking him for unrelated off-field misbehaviour.
Depending on the outcome of the charges, the Roosters may be under pressure to sack Friend, who has been playing well in the hooker role.
The Roosters did not name Carney in a media release distributed yesterday.
"The Sydney Roosters have today been made aware that Jake Friend has been charged with two offences relating to prescription drugs," the press release said.
"While understanding the sensitivity in regards to the police investigation, the club has consulted with its own medical staff and is of the firm belief that there is an innocent explanation. The club believes that as the charges are addressed and dealt with appropriately, this will become clear to all parties.
"The club will welcome this opportunity when it arises and will make no further comment in the meantime."
NRL chief executive David Gallop said: "We've spoken to the club and are waiting for a further report."
Carney joined the Roosters this year after a number of unrelated indiscretions during his time with Canberra. In June 2007, Carney pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to failing to stop when directed by police, negligent driving and also driving while disqualified.
![:\](https://bluelight.org/xf/BL_Images/Orig_Emoji/wrygrin.gif "wry grin :\")
