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
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas of Aberdeen during the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round: First Leg match between Aberdeen and BK Hacken at Pittodrie Stadium on July 22, 2021
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has admitted to his role in the drugs bust(Image: Getty Images)
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.
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came through the ranks at the Gunners(Image: Getty Images)
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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.
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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.