A PROFESSIONAL footballer has admitted that he was involved in a drug smuggling plot worth £600,000.
The celebrity was arrested at his home on September 18, after 60kg of cannabis was found in his suitcases.
GettyJay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after 60kg of cannabis was discovered in his suitcases[/caption]
National Crime AgencyThe drugs arrived in the UK via Stansted Airport[/caption]
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, was found to have brought 60kg of cannabis into the UK from Thailand.
The drugs had arrived at Stansted Airport on September 2.
Now, he will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court in Essex at a later date.
He pleaded guilty to the offence earlier in May, but reporting restrictions on the case have only just been lifted.
Initially, the footballer known as “JET” denied the charges when appearing in court in October 2024.
Two other people were arrested in connection with the case, but an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) have led to the charges being dropped.
Rosie Rowland, 28, and Yasmin Piotrowska, 33, sobbed as they were allowed to leave the dock and walk free.
They had previously denied importing cannabis between July 1 and September 2.
According to Prosecutor David Josse KC, the two women thought they were “importing gold, not cannabis”.
The smuggled drugs had travelled via Dubai before arriving in the UK.
In Britain, the maximum sentence for smuggling cannabis – a class B drug – is a 14-year-stretch behind bars.
Emmanuel-Thomas was a fan-favourite footballer who had played for Arsenal, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, MK Dons and PTT Rayong.
He was axed from his most recent team, Greenock Morton, after appearing in court for the crime.
A spokesperson for Greenock Morton released a short statement on social media after the sacking.
The 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.”
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PAThe star admitted to his crime in court[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
