- Greenock Morton striker arrested on Weds after Border Force found cannabis
- The 33-year-old is in police custody and expected to appear in court on Thurs
- Wenger said Emmanuel-Thomas could become a ‘great player’ back in 2010
Arsene Wenger‘s glowing praise of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has been arrested in a Stansted Airport drug bust, has emerged.
The Greenock Morton striker, who joined the club earlier this summer on a free transfer, was arrested at 8am on Wednesday after UK Border Force officials found cannabis inside several suitcases which had arrived in the United Kingdom on a flight from Bangkok on September 2.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA) around 60 kilograms of the drug were found in two cases.
NCA officers subsequently detained the footballer who has since been charged with importing class B drugs. The 33-year-old has been held in police custody and is expected to appear at Carlisle Magistrates Court on Thursday in relation to the charges.
In the aftermath of the charges, words of admiration from manager Wenger have come to light dating back to when Emmanuel-Thomas was a youngster breaking through at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger’s glowing praise of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has been arrested in a Stansted Airport drug bust, has emerged
He said in 2010: ‘When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player but a great player’
Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in connection with importing cannabis
The striker (pictured, second left, after winning FA Youth Cup in 2009) ended up making just five appearances for Arsenal and never scored a goal for the first-team
The French boss said ahead of a game against Newcastle in 2010: ‘Jay is knocking very hard on my door – with two hands.
‘He has outstanding quality. He works very hard to get his fitness right.
‘When his fitness is right, Jay will be not only a good player but a great player.
‘One thing is for sure – he can score goals. That is a massive talent you cannot give to people, his right foot, left foot, he is unbelievable in front of goal.
‘This guy is an unbelievable finisher, inside and outside of the box. He has outstanding qualities, he has the build you dream to have.
‘It is down to how far he wants to go because he has big potential.’
The striker ended up making just five appearances for Arsenal and never scored a goal for the first-team.
Two women, aged 28 and 32 were also arrested at Stansted Airport, according to the NCA, and were also charged with drug importation offences.
Both were issued bail after appearing before Chelmsford Magistrates Court and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.
Approximately £600,000 worth of Cannabis was seized at Stansted Airport in two suitcases
Two women were also arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs, which are said to have weighed around 60kgs
The 33-year-old has posted several pictures of himself on Instagram, enjoying holidays around the world, including to the Renaissance Pattaya Resort in Thailand (pictured)
Emmanuel-Thomas was also once described by Arsene Wenger as having ‘outstanding quality’ and had ‘big potential’
Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, David Phillips, said: ‘The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organisers.
‘We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions, and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.’
Mail Sport has contacted Greenock Morton, who have not commented on the matter.