Former arsenal star admits role in smuggling £600,000 of drugs into the uk

A FOOTBALLER WHO CAME THROUGH THE RANKS OF ARSENAL ACADEMY'S HAS ADMITTED HE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRUG SMUGGLING PLOT WORTH £600K AFTER HIS SEPTEMBER ARREST 16:00, 21 May 2025Updated

16:05, 21 May 2025 A former Arsenal star has admitted he was involved in a £600,000 drug smuggling plot. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who once turned out for the Gunners, was arrested at his home on

September 18 last year, after 60kg of cannabis was found in suitcases. He had been arrested following the discovery of the drugs at London's Stansted Airport, a previous hearing was

told. It was alleged the haul landed at Stansted having travelled in business class from Bangkok via Dubai. Emmanuel-Thomas had been playing for Scottish side Greenock Morton FC upon his

arrest - and he has since been sacked by the outfit. The former footballer pleaded guilty to the offence earlier in May, but reporting restrictions on the case have only just been lifted.

Article continues below He will now be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex at a later date. There had been two others arrested in connection with the case, but following an

investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA), charges against the pair were dropped. Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, were allowed to leave the dock and walk free as

according to David Josse KC, prosecuting, the two women thought they were "importing gold, not cannabis". Emmanuel-Thomas made one appearance for Arsenal in the Premier League,

coming on as a substitute for Jack Wilshere in the 81st minute against Chelsea in 2011. However, despite praise from Arsene Wenger, he wouldn't make another appearance. Emmanuel-Thomas

would drop down the leagues - turning out for Ipswich Town, Bristol City and QPR before moving to Thailand. Article continues below He would return to British shores in 2020 after signing

with Livingston, he has since played for Aberdeen and Kidderminster Harriers. His most recent club was Greenock Morton, where he signed a six-month deal last summer.