Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, former Ipswich Town striker, charged in connection with attempt to smuggle £600,000 of drugs through Stansted Airport

A former Ipswich Town striker has been charged in connection with an attempt to smuggle around £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, who joined the Tractor Boys in 2011 and played 75 times for the team, was arrested and questioned by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers yesterday just after 8am.

Border Force officers found the 60 kilograms worth of drugs in suitcases, which had arrived on a flight from Bangkok, at the airport on September 2.

The footballer, nicknamed JET, was arrested by officers at his home in Cardwell Road, Gourock, yesterday.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court today.

Emmanuel-Thomas was remanded in custody by the court to appear before Carlisle Crown Court on October 18. No plea was entered.

The 33-year-old striker currently plays for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton.

He joined Town from Premier League side Arsenal.

He has also played for Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Thai side PTT Rayong.

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.”