Former Arsenal striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis into the UK.
The 33-year-old was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) on Wednesday after UK Border Force officials discovered two suitcases containing 60 kilograms of drugs flown into Stansted Airport in England from Bangkok on September 2.
Emmanuel-Thomas faces charges of importing class B drugs and is scheduled to appear at Carlisle magistrates court on Thursday following his detention. Additionally, two women have been arrested and charged as part of the investigation.
NCA senior investigating officer David Phillips emphasized the agency’s commitment to working with partners like UK Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling, including both couriers and organizers. He urged anyone approached to participate in smuggling to carefully consider the serious consequences and life-altering risks involved.
Emmanuel-Thomas, a graduate of Arsenal’s renowned academy, made five senior appearances for the club before leaving in 2011.
He has since played for QPR, Ipswich Town, MK Dons, Livingston, Aberdeen, and in the Indian Super League with Jamshedpur. Most recently, he joined Scottish side Greenock Morton after departing Kidderminster Harriers over the summer.
