Former Norwich star Jamar Loza has received a 28-month prison sentence for running a large laughing gas operation, forcing non-league side Kettering Town to sever ties with the striker.
The decision follows Kettering's recent release of former Newcastle forward Nile Ranger, who left the club earlier this week.
Loza pleaded guilty to charges involving the supply of nitrous oxide on what the court called an "industrial scale".
The 31-year-old's illegal enterprise involved shifting pallets worth up to £10,000 each between London and Norfolk, with the former Jamaica international even hiring delivery drivers.
Former Norwich star Jamar Loza has received a 28-month prison sentence for running a large laughing gas operation
|PA
The Southern League Premier Central club moved swiftly to end his contract once news of his sentencing at Norwich Crown Court emerged earlier this week.
The court heard how Loza's operation came crashing down after police stopped his Mercedes in August 2022 and discovered numerous nitrous oxide canisters.
He was arrested, questioned and released, only to be caught again just days later in another police stop.
Jamar Loza made one Premier League appearance for Norwich City
|PA
At Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, Loza pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a psychoactive substance with intent to supply, plus one count of supplying the substance.
Recorder Ruth Brander noted during sentencing that Loza had boasted to other dealers about making so much money he "didn't know what to do with it".
His co-defendant, Lydia Punchard, who appeared in court heavily pregnant, received a six-month suspended sentence for supplying nitrous oxide.
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Kettering released a statement confirming they had "taken steps to terminate his playing contract with the Poppies".
"With the news this week that Jamar Loza has been sentenced for an incident which took place prior to his association with Kettering Town, we can confirm that the Club has taken steps to terminate his playing contract with the Poppies," the statement read.
"During his time with us, Jamar made a positive contribution on the pitch, and we are grateful for his performances in the club’s colours.
Jamar Loza
— Kettering Town FC (@KTFCOfficial) October 17, 2025
Following the recent news of an incident which took place prior to his association with Kettering Town, the Club has taken steps to terminate his playing contract with the Poppieshttps://t.co/eDl2XeAwgn#ktfc pic.twitter.com/YCYQ6xOGVr
"While we take no satisfaction in this outcome from a football perspective, as a club, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and integrity.
"We wish Jamal and his family well in addressing the matters ahead and thank our supporters for their continued understanding and professionalism during this time."
Loza's football journey began at Norwich City, where he made his sole Premier League appearance as a substitute in a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal in May 2014.
The forward spent time on loan at Coventry City, Yeovil Town and Stevenage before leaving Carrow Road in 2016.
He earned four caps for Jamaica in 2014 and had been playing for Kettering since March.
His final appearance came as a substitute in last Saturday's 2-0 loss at Alvechurch, having scored two league goals for The Poppies this season.
Former Norwich teammate Darren Eadie had described Loza as a "really good role model" during the court proceedings.
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