Former Arsenal academy talent Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis was seized at Stansted Airport. The 33-year-old footballer, who currently plays for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton, was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers following the discovery of approximately 60 kilos of cannabis in suitcases that arrived on a flight from Bangkok.
The incident occurred on September 2nd when Border Force officials at Stansted Airport intercepted the suitcases containing the drugs. Emmanuel-Thomas was detained and questioned by NCA officers shortly after the seizure. He was subsequently charged with importing class B drugs and remanded in custody.
Emmanuel-Thomas appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he faced charges related to the importation of cannabis. Two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested in connection with the incident and have been charged with drug importation offenses. They have been bailed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1st.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came through the Arsenal academy and was once hailed as an “outstanding” talent by then-manager Arsène Wenger. Despite his potential, he made only one Premier League appearance for Arsenal before moving on to other clubs, including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Livingston in Scotland. He currently plays for Greenock Morton after leaving Kidderminster Harriers.
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