Kane saves Tuchel's blushes as England limp past Andorra

What next for Sancho after Chelsea snub?

Eight issues Chelsea must fix in the transfer window

Madrid must loan out Endrick to make room for Mastantuono

Biggest winners & losers as Lionesses name Euros squad

Editors' Picks

Guardiola apologises to Yamal as he makes Messi claim

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: This is Dembele's Golden Ball!

Jamaica told Greenwood decision needs 'acceptance from nation'

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd face Spurs battle for Mbeumo

Osimhen agrees personal terms ahead of Napoli exit

'Back to reality' for Dyer & Bowen after rainy honeymoon

Rob & Ryan ready to sell stake as Wrexham's value hits £350m

RANKED: Top candidates to replace Ange after Spurs sacking

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Around 60kg of cannabis was caught in Essex</li><li>Brought to UK from Thailand</li><li>Ex-Arsenal youngster admits involvement</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Ex-Arsenal & England prospect admits involvement in plot to smuggle £600k worth of cannabis into the UK

Friendlies

England

Senegal

<p>Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has had a journeyman career across clubs in the UK and abroad, was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/former-arsenal-player-arrested-charged-600000-cannabis-seized-stansted-airport/bltb9f5970ad17a022b" target="_blank">arrested following the discovery of 60 kilograms of cannabis at London Stansted Airport</a>. The seizure, estimated to have a street worth of around £600,000, was made on September 2, 2024, after the drugs were found concealed inside suitcases that had arrived on a flight from Bangkok, with a stopover in Dubai. The National Crime Agency (NCA) led the investigation, which was described in court as "meticulous and comprehensive".</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Following the bust, 34-year-old Emmanuel-Thomas was taken into custody at his home in Gourock, near Glasgow, on September 18, 2024. His arrest prompted swift disciplinary action from his then-employer, Greenock Morton FC, a Scottish Championship club, who terminated his contract shortly after the charges were made public. Appearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, Emmanuel-Thomas admitted to his role in importing the Class B drug into the country. The court heard from prosecutor David Josse KC, who emphasised that the case had involved a deep and detailed investigation by the NCA, with a particular focus on the defendant’s digital communications. Two other individuals originally linked to the case - Rosie Rowland, 28, of Chelmsford, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, from north-west London - had previously pleaded not guilty to similar charges. However, charges were not pursued against them after data retrieved from Emmanuel-Thomas's phone failed to implicate them directly.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The prosecutor, Josse KC, told the court: "They thought they were importing gold, not cannabis."</p>

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

<p>Emmanuel-Thomas made just one senior appearance for the Gunners. He also featured for teams including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Aberdeen. His short-lived stint in Thailand with PTT Rayong in 2019 also marked a brief departure from European football.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Emmanuel-Thomas, a father of two, will remain in legal limbo until sentencing, which will take place at a later date at Chelmsford Crown Court. If given the maximum penalty, he could face up to 14 years in prison under UK law for importing Class B substances.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR EMMANUEL-THOMAS?

Ex-Arsenal & England prospect admits involvement in plot to smuggle £600k worth of cannabis into the UK | Goal.com

An ex-Arsenal and England prospect has admitted to his involvement in a plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis into the United Kingdom.

Next Match