Hilton Watford Hotel '£500k cannabis bust' sees three charged

They were arrested at the Hilton London Watford Hotel in Elton Way, off the A41, after what is believed to be large amounts of the class B drug and around £5,000 in cash were discovered, City of London Police said.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the hotel.

The trio appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 10 accused of importing "multiple strains of hybrid Californian cannabis" into the UK.

The men are accused of importing hybrid Californian cannabis in the UK. (Image: City of London Police)

Luke French, 35, of Moat Lane in Birmingham, and Roberto Martinez, 32, of Huntingdon Park in California, were charged with fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of class B drug and possessing with intent to supply cannabis.

Joanne Parkes, 47, of Benedon Road in Birmingham, was charged with fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of class B drug, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of criminal property.

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They were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Inner London Crown Court on May 8. 

The three men will appear at Inner London Crown Court in May over the charges. (Image: City of London Police)Detective Superintendent Richard Waight said it was a "significant haul" in the fight against the illegal supply of drugs into London.

He added: “City of London Police are committed to bringing organised crime groups to justice and making our streets safer.”

Hilton has been approached for comment.