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Scottish Footballer Arrested for Alleged Drug Smuggling
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a professional footballer currently playing for Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship, was apprehended by the National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in Gourock, Inverclyde. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning as part of a concerted operation involving the police.
The 33-year-old player is accused of attempting to import cannabis valued at £600,000 from Thailand via Stansted Airport. The drugs were detected by Border Force officials on September 2, at which time they discovered 60 kilograms of cannabis in suitcases arriving from Bangkok.
Emmanuel-Thomas, originally from London, began his career at Arsenal. He has played for several other clubs including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Livingston. Recently, he was transferred from Kidderminster Harriers to Greenock Morton.
Following his arrest, Emmanuel-Thomas was transported to Carlisle for questioning. He faces charges of importing Class B drugs and is scheduled to appear before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court later today.
The incident also led to the arrest of two women, aged 28 and 32, at Stansted Airport earlier this month. Both have been charged with drug importation offenses and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.
David Phillips, a senior investigating officer with the NCA, stated, “The NCA continues to collaborate with partners like Border Force to tackle those involved in drug smuggling, encompassing both the couriers and the orchestrators.” He further urged those approached for smuggling to consider the severe repercussions and life-altering risks of such activities.
Greenock Morton Football Club acknowledged awareness of the “ongoing situation” concerning their player but chose not to comment further. Meanwhile, Emmanuel-Thomas’ absence was noted at a club training session on Wednesday.
The NCA’s ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling have resulted in seizures of cannabis exceeding last year’s total by over threefold so far in 2024.
