Philadelphia Flyers forward Jori Lehtera is reportedly a suspect in a Finnish cocaine ring. According to the Courier Post, the 30-year-old Lehtera is one of 23 total suspects. He has already been questioned by the police in Finland regarding his involvement in a case involving two kilos (roughly 4.5 pounds) of cocaine that started being spread/sold back in January.
Reports have stated that Lehtera’s cottage was raided by police this summer, though he wasn’t home at the time. The police have also seized roughly $762,000 worth of jewelry and valuables in connection to the case, but it hasn’t been confirmed whether any of those assets belonged to Lehtera.
Additional information hasn’t been released, but Lehtera has denied being involved in the case.
This news comes at a time where Lehtera is struggling to earn a regular role with the Flyers. After scoring just three goals and five assists in 62 games last season, the Flyers may bump Lehtera in favor of a younger option. It seems like he’s on the bubble as the Flyers prepare to make their final roster decisions.
While this isn’t a funny story, fans have drawn some fun Lehtera-Gritty-cocaine connections.
#Gritty: Come on Jori, just one more line!#Lehtera: NO! You're eyes are all googly already, you're gonna bring down this whole operation!
Gritty: Cut me one more line or I'm going to blast you with this shirt cannon! I can handle myself!
Lehtera: HERE! Now act cool!
Gritty: pic.twitter.com/3YHPykFHOp— x – Ketan Patel (@k10patel) September 26, 2018
The timing of this is impeccable.
Jori Lehtera has been named as a suspect in a cocaine sting only a few days after the Philadelphia Flyers revealed their new mascot Gritty 😂 pic.twitter.com/qzpogOkram
— カリはるか 🌸 (@SeulPika) September 26, 2018
Gritty is Lehtera. Lehtera is Gritty. pic.twitter.com/NVNVn4lDxv
— Johnny Two Hats (@Johnny_2Hats) September 26, 2018
