Arsene Wenger’s glowing praise of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas resurfaces after former Arsenal prodigy was arrested in Stansted Airport drug bust

Arsène Wenger has spoken highly of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who has been arrested in connection with a drugs raid at Stansted Airport.

The Greenock Morton striker, who joined the club on a free transfer earlier this summer, was arrested at 8am on Wednesday after UK Border Force officials found cannabis in several suitcases that arrived in the UK on a flight from Bangkok on September 2.

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), approximately 60 kilograms of drugs were found in two cases.

NCA officers subsequently arrested the footballer who has since been charged with importing class B drugs. The 33-year-old has been held by police and is expected to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on Thursday to face the charges.

The charges were followed by words of admiration from manager Wenger, dating back to the time Emmanuel-Thomas broke through as a youngster at the Emirates.

He said in 2010: ‘If his fitness is right, Jay will not only be a good player, but a great player’

Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in connection with the importation of cannabis

The striker (pictured, second from left, after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2009) ultimately made just five appearances for Arsenal and never scored a goal for the first team.

The France coach said ahead of a match against Newcastle in 2010: ‘Jay is knocking very hard on my door – with both hands.

‘He has excellent quality, he works very hard to get his fitness in order.

‘If his fitness is right, Jay will not only be a good player, but a great player.

“One thing is for sure – he can score goals. That’s a huge talent that you can’t give to people, his right leg, left leg, he’s incredible in front of goal.

‘This guy is an incredible finisher, inside and outside the box. He has extraordinary qualities, he has the build you dream of.

“It depends on how far he wants to go, because he has a lot of potential.”

The striker ultimately made just five appearances for Arsenal and never scored a goal for the first team.

Two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested at Stansted Airport and charged with drug importation, according to the NCA.

Both were granted bail after appearing at Chelmsford District Court and are due to appear at Chelmsford District Court on October 1.

Around £600,000 worth of cannabis was seized in two suitcases at Stansted Airport

Two women were also arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs, which reportedly weighed approximately 60kg

The 33-year-old has posted several photos of himself on Instagram enjoying vacations around the world, including the Renaissance Pattaya Resort in Thailand (pictured)

Emmanuel-Thomas was also once described by Arsène Wenger as someone with ‘excellent quality’ and ‘great potential’

David Phillips, Chief Investigator at the NCA, said: ‘The NCA continues to work with partners such as Border Force to target those involved in drug trafficking. That includes both couriers and organisers.

‘We urge anyone who is approached to take part in any form of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions and the potentially life-changing risks they are taking.’

Mail Sport has contacted Greenock Morton, who have not yet commented on the matter.