The police found heroin packets with Curry's face plastered on them.
During his 15-year NBA career, Stephen Curry has starred in numerous advertising campaigns, including for Under Armour, Rakuten, and Subway. However, unbeknownst to the Warriors legend, he was also 'the face' of a much darker product— a dangerous drug circulating in Philadelphia.
This shocking discovery came to light on social media in 2016. Thomas J. Nestel, the Chief of the local SEPTA Transit Police at the time, shared evidence that Curry's face had been found on numerous heroin bags in the city.
"Thinking Steph Curry wouldn't be happy he is this week's brand for heroin in Kensington," Nestel wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Unwanted narcotics fame
Steph was riding high (no pun intended) in his sporting career back then. The point guard's team, the Warriors, had previously clinched a ring after winning the 2015 NBA Finals against the Cavs. During the ongoing Western Conference campaign, they were once again undisputedly at the top.
Their star player, 'Chef Curry,' was instrumental in this success. As the current MVP, the sharpshooter was regarded as one of the league's top players and most famous faces— and also, unexpectedly, the face of drug dealing in Philly.
This unusual connection came to light when a SEPTA police officer stopped an 18-year-old man in the city one night during that time. One might think that the police had seen it all; however, Nestel commented that this situation was "definitely unique" for the city.
Drug branding
This type of branding is called a stamp and is used by drug dealers for various reasons. Primarily, it aims to boost sales and can be seen as a marketing tactic, albeit a very dark one.
For example, they put catchy names on their products, often playing off pop culture icons to create buzz. However, this also applies to sports legends; besides Curry, former football players Marshawn Lynch and Peyton Manning have faced similar situations, with drug varieties named after them. Dealers use this "tactic" to downplay the seriousness of the situation and lower the barrier for potential buyers. For some, it also creates an eye-catching effect.
For several years now, 'The City of Brotherly Love' has been ranked among the cities with the highest heroin circulation. The statistics are heartbreaking — in 2022, 1,413 lives were lost to overdoses, an 11% increase from the previous year.
Unfortunately, the 4-time NBA champ got caught in this situation, especially given Steph's clean reputation as a family man and devoted husband.
