Olympian pleads not guilty in drug bust - NEWS.com.au

Former Olympian Nathan Baggaley has denied seven drugs charges after a Federal Police sting. File image Source: News Limited

FORMER Olympian Nathan Baggaley has pleaded not guilty to seven charges after being arrested in a major drug bust.

Baggaley, a former Australian Athlete of the Year who won two silver medals in kayaking at the 2004 Athens Olympics, was one of three members of an alleged Gold Coast/northern NSW amphetamine syndicate arrested on Friday night in an Australian Federal Police sting.

The 37-year-old faced Lismore Local Court this morning on seven charges including conspiracy to import chemical precursors, conspiracy to manufacture and produce a prohibited drug and supplying "a large commercial quantity'' of a prohibited drug.

The offences carry a maximum penalty of life in jail.

Baggaley's heavily-pregnant partner Emeree Roberts shook and wept as Baggaley sat in the dock in prison greens.

Baggaley smiled tightly and whispered 'hi Mum' to his mother Sue sitting in the gallery with Ms Roberts and his father Noel.

His lawyer did not apply for bail and it was formally refused.

The case was adjourned until December 17 for mention.

Baggaley in action at the Athens Olympics where he won two silver medals. File image: Phil Hillyard Source: News Limited

Baggaley and another man, 52, were arrested at Tweed Heads, while the third alleged syndicate member, aged 32, was nabbed at Forster in Northern NSW.

The AFP said they had smashed two clandestine drug labs, at Tweed Heads and Currumbin Waters, as part of the investigation.

"It will be alleged that the men were members of a syndicate actively involved in the production and distribution of amphetamine-type substances," the AFP said.

AFP National Manager Serious and Organised Crime, Ramzi Jabbour said the investigation was continuing.

He warned that people seeking to profit from engaging in organised crime activities would continue to be targeted.

"The AFP is committed to targeting all forms of serious criminality, including groups such as this which allegedly devoted significant time, effort and resources in an attempt to establish a drug production and distribution syndicate," Assistant Commissioner Jabbour said.