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Former Syracuse basketball player Brendan Paul was arrested on two drug-related charges, according to records from Miami-Dade (Florida) County police.
The arrest on Monday coincided with federal agents raiding properties owned by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an alleged sex trafficking investigation, law enforcement sources told the Associated Press.
Paul was apprehended at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport on felony charges related to the possession of suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana candy, as stated in an arrest affidavit obtained by USA TODAY.
The affidavit reveals that officers discovered cocaine and edibles in Paul’s luggage. He was released on a $2,500 bond on Tuesday and is scheduled for a hearing on April 24.
Despite the timing, Paul’s arrest was unrelated to the raids on Combs’ properties. However, his name has been mentioned in connection with Combs’ humantrafficking allegations.
In February, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a federal lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual abuse against both men and women. Additionally, Jones claimed that Paul “serves as Mr. Combs’ courier. He procures and distributes drugs and firearms for Mr. Combs.”
Combs denied the sexual assault allegations in December.
Brian Bieber, Paul’s attorney, stated to The Athletic, “We do not intend to litigate this matter in the media – all matters will be addressed in court.”
Paul initially joined the Syracuse men’s basketball team as a walk-on in 2018, appearing in 16 games over two seasons. He concluded his collegiate career at Division-II Fairmont State, participating in 35 games across two seasons for the Fighting Falcons.
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