Philadelphia Flyers center Jori Lehtera (15) face-off

(Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

Report: Former Blues Forward Implicated in Finnish Cocaine Ring

Jori Lehtera's summer home in Finland was raided by police reports a media outlet in Finland.

September 26, 2018 - 11:46 am
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Police in Finland have named former St. Louis Blues forward Jori Lehtera among 23 suspects in a cocine ring, according to a Finnish media outlet. 

MTV.fi reports, Lehtera's home was the site of a police raid earlier this summer and seven arrests have been made for "suspected of aggravated narcotics, professional crime, and money laundering" involving the investigation. Lehtera has denied involvment, per the report. The report says Lehtera was not at his home during the time of the raid.

Using Google Translate, here's a passage from the report: 

"There are about two kilos of cocaine in the police investigation. The substance is suspected to be spread to the Tampere region and elsewhere in Pirkanmaa from January 2017. Cocaine sales have taken place in restaurants, for example."

According to MTV, police have seized property worth up to 650,000 euros (more than $760,000).

Lehtera is a member of Finland's national hockey team and was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in June of 2017, during that year's NHL Draft, in return for a first round draft pick and center Brayden Schenn. He scored three goals and added five assists in 62 games last season. His contract will end after this season. 

Lehtera reportedly did not practice today, the Flyers general manager Ron Hextall released the following statement:

"We have spoken with Jori Lehtera and the league office regarding the reports out of Finland, and will reserve any further comment on the matter at this time."