Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial - accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.

And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.

Stam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.

But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.

And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.

A prosecutor told the hearing: "This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.

"I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world."

Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.

The player's parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.

Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.

They seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.

Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.

However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.

The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.

That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013.