26 Feb 2017

Former AB arrested on suspicion of buying cocaine

12:26 pm on 26 February 2017

Former All Black and Blues lock Ali Williams has spent the night in a Paris cell after being arrested on suspicion of attempting to buy cocaine.

The former All Black Ali Williams playing for European Champions Toulon.

The former All Black Ali Williams playing for European Champions Toulon. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Police apprehended Williams and former Australian international James O'Connor after they were allegedly caught handing over cash to a drug dealer outside a night-club in the French capital at about 3am Saturday morning (local time).

An official said both players were drunk at the time of their arrest and were not carrying identification papers.

The official added that they were attempting to buy drugs worth about $200 euros and that the two sellers were also arrested.

Thirty-five-year-old Williams currently plays with Paris based French club Racing 92, while O'Connor, 26, plays for Toulon.

Racing 92 said in a statement that it had suspended Williams over the incident.

"It was decided to temporarily suspend Ali Williams. If the investigation confirmed the possession of cocaine and the transaction, it would not only be against the law but also a serious breach of our ethics."

Williams played 77 Tests between 2002 and 2012 and recently returned to playing after retiring from the game a couple of years ago.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had not been approached for assistance.

Last week another former All Black who also plays for the club, Dan Carter, was caught drink-driving in Paris.

- AAP/ABC