Flyers Center Jori Lehtera has been named as a suspect in a large-scale cocaine bust in his native country of Finland. Lehtera’s name was linked to a report (in Finnish) from MTV3 that stated there are currently 23 suspects, with the professional being one of them.
Two kilos of cocaine was primarily distributed, with €650,000 ($765,115.65 USD) of property being seized during the investigation.
Police made arrests
The police made arrests at the lake cottage of Lehtera during the summer, although Lehtera was not among those arrested. Lehtera denies being apart of the suspected crime but was still questioned about suspected drug offenses.
According to the police report, seven are currently in police custody. MTV3 reported that the investigation is likely to be further expanded. Those in custody are suspected of aggravated narcotics, professional crime, and money laundering.
Sales have taken place in restaurants
The cocaine was distributed in the Tampere region and elsewhere in Pirkanmaa, dating back to January of 2017. Allegedly, cocaine sales have taken place in restaurants, as an example.
The police have reported that the cocaine’s country of origin is in the Netherlands. If charges are placed against Lehtera, his fate will be decided by the court.
Free agent next summer
Lehtera is in the last year of his contract, where he is slated to make $4,700,000 USD. He becomes a free agent next summer.
Lehtera is about to enter his fifth professional season and second with the Flyers. He has tallied 100 points in 218 games so far in his career. He was a 3rd round selection in the 2008 draft, selected by the St. Louis Blues.
In his early years of professional hockey, Lehtera spent time playing in the SM-liiga and KHL. He is also an Olympian with Finland and represented his country at the World Cup as well.
Lehtera won a Bronze Medal in the 2014 Olympics, as well as a silver medal at the World Championship in the same year. He is also a former KHL and Sm-liiga All-Star.
