Former footballer Michael Boateng faces court over £1m of crystal meth

Former footballer Michael Boateng appeared in court on Friday charged with transporting more than £1m of crystal methamphetamine.

Metropolitan Police officers arrested former Crystal Palace academy player Boateng in south London on Wednesday.

Boateng, 32, of Dingwall Road, Croydon, is charged with possessing Class A methylamphetamine with intent to supply.

The Peckham-born right-back, who also played for Sutton United and Bristol Rovers, appeared in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Scotland Yard said almost 20kg of the drug was found in a jumpsuit.

A spokesman added: “An estimated £1 million worth of crystal meth was seized by police after a drugs warrant was executed at a flat in Croydon on February 14.

“A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and later charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

“The arrest was part of ongoing work to disrupt and prevent serious violence in Croydon.”

Boateng spent less than two minutes in the court dock, speaking only to confirm his name, age and address in south-east London.

He was remanded in custody pending a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on March 15.

He gave no indication of his plea to the charge of possession with intent to supply.

Judge Nigel Dean told the court the case involved “20 kilos” but no further details of the charge were given.