Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas denies smuggling £600,000 of hashish into UK

Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has denied smuggling cannabis into the UK.

Emmanuel-Thomas, who came through the youth academy at the Emirates Stadium, was detained and questioned by National Crime Agency officers at Stansted on suspicion of orchestrating the attempted drug smuggling in September.

The footballer denied the charges when he appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court from HMP Durham. Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, also denied importing the Class B drug between 1 July and 2 September.

The footballer was sacked by the Scottish side Greenock Morton FC, after he was arrested at his home in Cardwell Road, Gourock near Glasgow, on September 18.

He had been arrested following the drugs discovery at London’s Stansted Airport, a previous hearing was told. It was alleged they landed at Stansted having travelled in business class from Bangkok via Dubai.

Four suitcases were said to have been seized, with the vacuum-packed cannabis spread between them.

The 33-year-old 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.

He would return to British shores in 2020 after signing with Livingston, he has since played for Aberdeen and Kidderminster Harriers. He’s currently on the books of Greenock Morton, signing a six-month deal with the club earlier this summer.