FOOTBALLER Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in connection with an attempt to smuggle £600,000 of cannabis through an airport.

The 33-year-old striker, who played for Kidderminster Harriers this year, was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers shortly after 8am on Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

Emmanuel-Thomas, who lives in Cardwell Road in Gourock, was detained and questioned by officers, and has been remanded in custody ahead of an expected court appearance on Thursday.

Emmanuel-Thomas, who currently plays for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton, has also played for Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Thai side PTT Rayong.

The arrest came after the NCA seized an estimated £600,000 of the class B drug as it was being smuggled through Stansted Airport on September 2.

Border Force officers detected roughly 60kg of the drug in two suitcases, which had arrived via a flight from Bangkok, Thailand.

Jay Emmanuel-ThomasJay Emmanuel-Thomas (Image: KHFC)

Emmanuel-Thomas is expected to appear before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday accused of importing class B drugs.

Two women aged 28 and 32 were arrested and appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. They were bailed to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.

NCA senior investigating officer 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.”

Harriers signed forward Jay Emmanuel-Thompson in February 2024.

He left Harriers in April 2024 following the end of the 23-24 season.