Former Arsenal player arrested over importing more than $700,000 worth of cannabis

Professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested by National Crime Agency officers on Wednesday morning in a drugs operation worth close to $800,000 (£600,000). Sky News report that the former Arsenal player was detained on suspicion of orchestrating the attempted import of cannabis from Thailand through Stansted Airport.

EMMAnuel-Thomas played for various clubs in both England and Scotland, including Ipswich Town, QPR, Cardiff City and Aberdeen. The forward, who currently plays for Greenock Morton in western Scotland, also appeared at youth level for the England national team. A spokesperson for Greenock Morton told Sky News that the club was aware of an “ongoing situation”. However, they declined to comment further on the case.

The drugs were found at Stansted Airport and reports say that two women were also arrested in relation to the same operation.

Sky adds that as soon as he was detained at his home near Glasgow, the player was moved to Carlisle for questioning and has since been charged. EMMAnuel-Thomas, accused of importing Class B drugs, is due to appear before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

As for the illegal substance, it has been said that Border Force officers found 60kg of cannabis spread out over two suitcases which had arrived from Bangkok. This tally adds to the huge number of cannabis seized by officers this year, already surpassing the number amassed in 2023.

“The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling - that includes both the couriers and the organisers”, said David Phillips, the National Crime Agency senior investigating officer.

“We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions, and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.” The maximum sentence for cannabis importation in the UK is up to 14 years in prison.