Former Arsenal footballer, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, has had his contract terminated by Greenock Morton following serious drug smuggling charges.
The 33-year-old forward was arrested on Wednesday in Gourock, Scotland, as part of a National Crime Agency, NCA, investigation into an alleged attempt to import £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport.
Emmanuel-Thomas, who began his career at Arsenal and has played for various clubs including Ipswich Town and Aberdeen, is accused of orchestrating the smuggling operation that saw approximately 60 kilograms of cannabis concealed in two suitcases arriving from Bangkok on September 2.
He is set to appear before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court, facing charges related to the importation of Class B drugs.
The NCA’s investigation revealed that two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested in connection with the case and have been charged with drug importation offenses. They are scheduled to appear in Chelmsford Crown Court next month.
In a statement confirming his dismissal, Greenock Morton disclosed that they would not be making any further comments on the matter.
Emmanuel-Thomas’s lawyer has indicated that he “strenuously denies” any involvement in the alleged drug smuggling scheme. Following his court appearance, he was remanded in custody as the case progresses.
Reported by BBC
