Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former Arsenal and Ipswich Town footballer, has been arrested in connection with the seizure of nearly $800,000 worth of cannabis at Stansted Airport in the UK. The 33-year-old, who was playing for Scottish club Greenock Morton, is alleged to have orchestrated the attempted importation of 132 pounds of cannabis through the airport.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that Emmanuel-Thomas was detained in Scotland on suspicion of being involved in the drug operation. His arrest is connected to a seizure that took place on September 2, where two women were arrested after the cannabis was discovered in two suitcases arriving from Bangkok, Thailand.
Following his detainment, Emmanuel-Thomas was transported to Carlisle in England for questioning and appeared in court, where he was officially charged with importing class B drugs. His bail was denied, and he will remain in custody until his next court appearance on October 18.
In the wake of his arrest, Greenock Morton immediately terminated Emmanuel-Thomas’ contract. The club issued a statement confirming his departure but refrained from commenting further on the legal situation.
The NCA emphasized its ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling, warning individuals of the life-changing consequences that come with participating in illegal activities. The maximum sentence for cannabis importation in the UK is up to 14 years in prison.
Emmanuel-Thomas, who rose through Arsenal’s academy, had stints with several other British clubs, including Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Cardiff City, before signing with Greenock Morton on a short-term deal earlier this year.
