Carlton AFL great is exposed as a drug dealer who was selling meth to fund his own habit after police raid uncovered damning evidence – as his lawyer reveals why he’s ‘lucky to be alive’
- Former AFL star, 51, again caught with drugs and cash
- Ron De Iulio arrested in February at Melbourne apartment
- Was selling ice to regular users to fund his own habit
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Former Carlton star Ron De Iulio has been exposed in court as a drug dealer who was selling methamphetamine to fund his own habit.
The 51-year-old, who played 104 games for the Blues in the 1990s, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after he was arrested in February.
Police seized drugs, deal bags and cash – as well as a notebook outlining prices and the names of his clients – in the raid.
De Iulio pleaded guilty to trafficking a drug of dependence, dealing in proceeds of crime and possessing ecstasy, the Herald Sun reported.
It comes after he faced court in April last year on separate drug offences, with De Iulio avoiding a conviction after completing a six-month good behaviour diversion program.
Former Carlton star Ron De Iulio has been exposed as a drug dealer who was selling methamphetamine to fund his own habit
The fallen star (pictured left with an unnamed woman) also faced court last year in Melbourne after he was busted with ice and a pile of cash in the CBD back in 2021
De Iulio (pictured at Carlton training at Optus Oval in 2000) almost had to have his leg amputated when he was struck by a scooter
At the time, a contrite De Iulio said it was the ‘wake up call’ he needed to get his life back on track.
Following De Iulio’s latest arrest, the court heard he was selling drugs – mainly methamphetamine – after purchasing up to $10,000 worth of ‘ice.’
His profit was around $1500, which the court heard he used to ‘get by’.
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Lawyer Zoe Davis said her client has now ‘ceased all drug use’ and that his offending was ‘highly unsophisticated.’
De Iulio began using drugs again following a series of health concerns, which included a stroke and almost having his leg amputated when he was struck by a scooter.
Davis added De Iulio is ‘lucky to be alive’ and requires treatment for a ‘permanent impairment’ that includes daily management of medications and appointments.
The fallen star, who pledged he ‘wants to do better’, now has a full-time NDIS carer.
Magistrate Brett Sonnet placed De Iulio on a two-year good behaviour bond without conviction, and he must also donate $5000 to the Salvation Army.
