Former Arsenal player charged after £600,000 of cannabis seized at airport

He is due to appear in court today

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was detained and questioned by National Crime Agency officers after the drugs were found in suitcases by Border Forces after a flight from Bangkok landed on September 2.

He was arrested on Wednesday and remanded in custody before his appearance at Carlisle Magistrates on Thursday, accused of importing class B drugs.

Two women aged 28 and 32 were also arrested in connection with the drugs seizure.

Emmanuel-Thomas played five times for the Gunners with legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger saying he was an ‘outstanding’ talent.

He said: “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 of 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.”

He made just one Premier League appearance as a substitute for the London side who registered a 2-0 loss to Chelsea.

In 2011, he signed for Championship club Ipswich Town before successful stints at Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers.

Most recently he was playing for Scottish second-tier side Greenock Morton having signed for the club in July.