Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, a former Arsenal player, has been arrested and charged with attempting to smuggle 600,000 pounds worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport. The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for Greenock Morton, was apprehended at his home near Glasgow.
The amount of cannabis seized at UK airports has tripled in 2024, driven by overproduction in countries with legal cannabis programs and the lucrative black market in the UK. The British National Crime Agency (NCA) attributes the rise to higher prices for cannabis in the UK, making it a tempting target for smugglers despite the hefty penalties. While some couriers are misled about the risks, the NCA warns of significant prison sentences and the involvement of organized criminal gangs.
