Wayne Carey white powder saga: WA Police confirm they are investigating Crown gaming floor incident

WA Police has confirmed a “suspicious” bag of white powder dropped by AFL legend Wayne Carey at Perth’s Crown casino was not seized by security staff as detectives launch an investigation into the incident.

Carey was gambling at the casino on Thursday night when it is understood a zip-lock bag containing a white substance fell from his pocket and onto a gaming room table.

The North Melbourne champion was escorted from the premises and evicted from the Crown Promenade hotel where he was staying ahead of his role as a commentator in Fremantle’s elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

However, Crown did not advise WA Police, who have since launched an investigation into the incident.

A WA Police spokeswoman confirmed “the matter was not reported to police at the time, and the suspicious powder was not seized by security”.

“An investigation into the incident has been commenced by Perth Detectives,” the spokesman said.

The statement came as Premier Mark McGowan told reporters that the Gaming and Wagering Commission of WA had also contacted Crown Perth “to explain our concerns” after the incident came to light on Monday.

Carey, who has been banned from Crown venues for two years and has stood aside from commentary duties with Channel 7 and Triple M by mutual agreement, said the substance was a crushed up anti-inflammatory.

“The Gaming and Wagering Commissioner contacted Crown today when this matter came to light, to explain our concerns and I understand police are now involved,” Mr McGowan said on Tuesday.

Camera Icon WA Police has confirmed a “suspicious” bag of white powder dropped by AFL legend Wayne Carey at Perth’s Crown casino was not seized by security staff as detectives launch an investigation into the incident. Credit: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The Gaming and Wagering Commission, which is chaired by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries director general Lanie Chopping, has sought an explanation “about what has gone on”, he added.

“That’s my understanding of what’s occurred. The Gaming and Wagering Commission, obviously, monitors Crown,” the Premier continued.

“My understanding is the Gaming and Wagering Commissioner contacted Crown, has been advised that relevant protocols by the casino have been followed, but I also understand police are involved.”

A croupier in the casino activated an alarm to alert security when the bag of white powder fell onto a gaming table last Thursday, at which point the 51-year-old reportedly admitted it was his.

Camera Icon The North Melbourne champion was escorted from the premises and evicted from the Crown Promenade hotel where he was staying ahead of his role as a commentator in Fremantle’s elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday. Credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Crown evicted the former North Melbourne captain from the casino and Crown Promenade hotel, where he was staying ahead of his role to cover Fremantle’s elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

“It was not an illegal substance, it was offered to security. Security didn’t take it,” Carey told The Age, which he writes for as a columnist.

“They just said it’s not a great look, I understood that, and we left without incident.”

It’s believed WA Police were not notified at the time because there was no violence involved, though officers were expected to request to review the CCTV footage.

Crown sources told The West they were confident staff had diligently followed protocols when dealing with the incident.

On Monday, Crown confirmed it was aware of “a recent incident at Crown Perth where a patron was escorted from the premises”.

However, it has so far refused to answer questions about why the incident was not reported to police.

James Warburton, the managing director and chief executive of Seven West Media, which publishes The West Australian, said at a press conference on Tuesday that he would not comment until a proper investigation was completed.