Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas charged with importing drugs after £600,000 worth of cannabis seized at airport
AN ex-Arsenal star has been charged with importing drugs.
Striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested on Wednesday morning after £600,000 of cannabis was seized at Stansted Airport.
Suitcases were discovered by UK Border Force after a flight from Bangkok arrived on September 2.
The 33-year-old was detained by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers yesterday and has since been charged.
Two women aged 28 and 32 were also arrested in connection with the drugs bust.
They have both been charged with drug importation offences.
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Emmanuel-Thomas has been remanded in custody and will appear at Carlisle Magistrates' court on Thursday accused of importing class B drugs.
NCA senior investigating officer David Phillips said: "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.
"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."
After a short stint with the London-based club, Emmanuel-Thomas went on to play for Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.
He has also played for Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Thai side PTT Rayong.