Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Expelled from Club After Alleged Cannabis Smuggling Incident

Footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been expelled from Greenock Morton FC after being accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis at Stansted Airport. The 33-year-old striker was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officials in Gourock, Inverclyde, on Wednesday morning. Emmanuel-Thomas, who previously played for clubs such as Livingston, Aberdeen, and Arsenal’s academy, was taken into custody for questioning.

The arrest came after customs officers at Stansted Airport seized approximately 60kg of cannabis, worth £600,000, in two suitcases arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, on 2 September. Emmanuel-Thomas appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he was charged with importing class B drugs.

In response, Greenock Morton issued a brief statement via social media platform X: “Greenock Morton FC can confirm that Jay Emmanuel-Thomas’ contract has been terminated immediately. The club will make no further comment on this matter.”

Emmanuel-Thomas, who has also played for Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Thai side PTT Rayong, entered no plea and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for 18 October at Carlisle Crown Court. Two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested in connection with the incident and appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. They have been released on bail, with a court appearance set for 1 October at Chelmsford Crown Court.