Former Arsenal Player Jay Emmanuel-Thomas Faces Jail for Drug Smuggling
Former Arsenal forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, now 34, may be facing a prison sentence after admitting guilt in a drug smuggling scheme involving an attempt to bring £600,000 worth of cannabis into the UK from Thailand.
Back in September 2014, he was arrested by the National Crime Agency after authorities found 60 kilograms of cannabis in two suitcases at Stansted Airport. His then-club, Greenock Morton in Scotland, quickly ended his contract following the charges.
Initially, Emmanuel-Thomas denied the allegations in a hearing at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court. However, at a more recent appearance at Chelmsford Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to evading drug importation laws, specifically involving cannabis, during the period of July 1 to September 2, 2024.
Two women, Rosie Rowland and Yasmin Piotrowska, were also arrested at the time, but the charges against them have since been dropped after they claimed they believed they were transporting gold, not cannabis.
Emmanuel-Thomas, appearing via video call from HMP Chelmsford, agreed to attend his sentencing in person. He could face up to 14 years in prison for the offense.
Career Highlights
London-born Emmanuel-Thomas came up through Arsenal’s youth system, even captaining their FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2009. He made a handful of senior appearances before moving on to Ipswich Town in 2011. His career included spells with several English clubs, and later overseas teams in India and Thailand. Most recently, he played in Scotland for Livingston, Aberdeen, and Greenock Morton.
