Over half a million pounds of cannabis seized as three charged

City of London Police working in partnership with the National Crime Agency, has seized multiple strains of hybrid Californian cannabis estimated to have a street value of over half a million pounds.

The team arrested and charged three people in connection with bringing a large quantity of cannabis into the UK. They are:

• Luke French, 35, of Moat Lane, Birmingham. He is 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, Birmingham. She is charged with fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of class B drug and possessing with intent to supply cannabis. Also charged with possession of criminal property.
• Roberto Martinez, 32 of Huntingdon Park, California. He is charged with fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of class B drug and possessing with intent to supply cannabis.

Officers seized cannabis believed to be worth upwards of £500,0000 and around £5,000 in cash.

All three appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10th April and were remanded in custody until a hearing at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday, 8 May.

Detective Superintendent Richard Waight, City of London Police said:

“This is a significant haul in our fight against the illegal trafficking and supply of drugs in the City and across London. Drugs in London severely impacts our communities, drives violence and organised crime and can lead to vulnerable people being exploited.

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