Former Arsenal and Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged following his arrest by Scotland’s National Crime Agency (NCA). This comes after authorities seized 60 kg of cannabis valued at £600,000 (approximately $793,620) at Stansted Airport.
The 33-year-old, currently playing for Greenock Morton in the Scottish second division, was taken into custody on Wednesday during an operation in collaboration with Police Scotland.
According to a statement from the NCA, a man arrested in connection with the cannabis seizure has been charged. The agency reported that Emmanuel-Thomas, residing on Cardwell Road in Gourock, was detained after Border Force officers discovered drugs worth an estimated £600,000 in suitcases on September 2.
He faces charges of importing class B drugs and has been remanded in custody. Emmanuel-Thomas is scheduled to appear before Carlisle Magistrates later today.
The forward emerged from Arsenal’s academy but only made five appearances for the club. His career also included spells at Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers.
Earlier in September, two women, aged 28 and 32, were arrested at Stansted after Border Force officers found approximately 60 kg of the drug in suitcases that arrived on a flight from Bangkok.