MORTON striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in connection with the seizure of cannabis worth an estimated £600,000 at a London airport.

The 33-year-old, of Cardwell Road in Gourock, was detained and questioned by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers after around 60kg of the drug was detected by Border Force in suitcases which had arrived on a flight from Bangkok on September 2.

He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear before Carlisle Magistrates' Court later today, accused of importing class B drugs. 

The NCA arrested Emmanuel-Thomas on Wednesday morning following an investigation supported by Police Scotland.

The Telegraph understands he was not present at a club training session on Wednesday.

His detention followed the arrest of two women, aged 28 and 32, at Stansted Airport on September 2.

After being questioned by the NCA, both were charged with drug importation offences.

They appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and were bailed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.

David Phillips, NCA senior investigating officer, said: “The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organisers.
 
“We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions, and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.”

Emmanuel-Thomas came through Arsenal’s academy and made five appearances for the senior team before moving to Ipswich Town in 2011.

He has since spent time at clubs including Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers and Thai side PTT Rayong.

The London-born player signed for Morton from Kidderminster Harriers in the July, having previously enjoyed spells in the Scottish Premiership at Aberdeen and Livingston.

A Morton spokesperson said: "The club is aware of an ongoing matter relating to one of our first team players which has been publicised by various media outlets.

"The club is currently awaiting further information from the relevant bodies and due to the nature of the situation, we will be unable to make any comment beyond this statement at this time."