SNS GroupProfessional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been released with immediate effect after he was charged with orchestrating the attempted importation of drugs through Stansted Airport.
The former Aberdeen striker, who was playing for Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship, was detained and questioned by National Crime Agency officers on suspicion of orchestrating the attempted drug smuggling.
The 33-year-old, of Cardwell Road in Gourock, was arrested in the Inverclyde town just after 8am on Wednesday in an operation supported by officers from Police Scotland.
He was later charged and appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he faced one charge of the fraudulent evasion on the importation of a class B drug on September 2 in the London area.
The father-of-two “strenuously denied” being behind the drug smuggling scheme.
On Thursday evening, Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton confirmed he had been released immediately.
A statement read: “Greenock Morton FC can confirm that the contract of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been terminated with immediate effect.
“The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”
During the 15-minute court hearing, Emmanuel-Thomas spoke clearly to confirm his name, date of birth, and address.
The ex-Arsenal player’s lawyer Nathaniel Gadsby said Emmanuel-Thomas “does strenuously deny any involvement in any plan to import drugs into the UK”.
NCATwo women, aged 28 and 32, were arrested and after being questioned by the NCA, both were charged with drug importation offences. They were bailed during an initial magistrates’ court hearing to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.
Phone evidence was said to have been collected by law enforcement officers allegedly showing that Emmanuel-Thomas “carried out extensive research into flights and directions; which airports the females had been coming into”.
For the purposes of administration, the deputy district judge Steven Jonas said he was treating Emmanuel-Thomas’ no plea as a not guilty plea.
A legal advisor said the charge was such that it could be dealt with at a magistrates’ or crown court.
Judge Jonas ruled the allegation was too serious to be dealt with in a magistrates’ court.
Emmanuel-Thomas was remanded in custody after an application for bail was rejected.
His case was sent for a plea and trial preparation hearing, initially to Carlisle Crown Court, on October 18.
The striker, from London, who is known by supporters as JET, was in Arsenal’s youth setup and also played for Queens Park Rangers, Bristol City, and Livingston.
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