Professional soccer player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested Wednesday morning due to an alleged connection to a massive drug operation. The former Arsenal youth star was detained in Scotland by National Crime Agency (NCA) officials. Emmanuel-Thomas only recently signed with Scottish Championship club Greenock Morton in July. He has one assist in five league matches so far this season.
The player’s arrest comes weeks after police seized over 130 pounds of marijuana at a London airport. According to reports, officers detected the drugs in two different suitcases coming into England from Thailand. The street value of the marijuana is reportedly worth nearly $800,000. Two women were also arrested in the apparent operation as well.
Emmanuel-Thomas remains in police custody and is expected to appear in court as early as Thursday. Greenock Morton has yet to make an official announcement on the ordeal, aside from being aware of an “ongoing situation” involving the player.
Legendary Arsenal coach previously had high hopes for Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
The 33-year-old soccer pro has bounced around to play for 15 total clubs in his career. Nevertheless, the attacker was once a highly rated prospect with Arsenal. Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger raved about Jay Emmanuel-Thomas ahead of a League Cup clash with Newcastle in 2010.
“He has outstanding quality,” Wenger said of the then-youngster. “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 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.”
Despite this potential, Emmanuel-Thomas only managed…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/former-arsenal-starlet-charged-in-795k-marijuana-bust/
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-09-19 14:37:04
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