A package containing 2.5kg of cannabis bound for a County Durham eatery was caught by Border Force officers before reaching its destination, a licensing hearing was told.
Authorities confiscated the consignment, estimated to be worth approximately £50,000, from Toronto, Canada, while en route to The Beveridge Way Bistro in Newton Aycliffe, previously trading as Cafe HQ.
Police request suspension
The startling find led Durham Constabulary to request the immediate suspension of the establishment's alcohol licence, contending the site had become linked with significant criminal activity.
However, Huey Watson, the cafe's licence holder and supervisor, stated he was "absolutely bamboozled" by the matter and refuted any involvement.
Officers informed a Durham County Council licensing committee they had been unable to locate the individual named on the package, who does not appear on the electoral register, and suspect it may have been meant for another person or alternative location.
Serious concerns raised
Nevertheless, authorities emphasised that the fact such a substantial quantity of narcotics was addressed to the establishment represented a cause for "serious concern".
In a statement presented to the hearing, the constabulary declared: "The premises are associated with serious crime, which raises the question: should the person responsible continue to hold a premises licence?"
"Had it not been intercepted by Border Force, it would have made its way to the premises. There are serious concerns with the management, oversight and control of the premises."
The enquiry, conducted jointly by Durham Constabulary and Border Force, remains active. Mr Watson claimed he had no awareness of the drugs and stated he had recently collaborated with others to help develop the business before stepping back due to personal reasons.
Licence suspended
Speaking to officers at the council hearing, he said: "I totally understand why you have taken the action you have. I have never had anything to do with this in the past. It has obviously got into a mess and out of control."
"I am absolutely bamboozled by all this. I've worked hard and always kept myself clean. I agree with what you are doing and hope it all ends. It's horrible."
The council's licensing committee voted to suspend the premises' alcohol licence and strip Mr Watson of his role as the café's supervisor while a full review takes place.
Councillor Tim Robson, licensing committee chairman, commented: "We agree that this premises should have its licence suspended and the supervisor removed. You will still be able to operate your business but when this amount of drugs is delivered, it raises eyebrows and suspicions."
Mr Watson sought to reassure his clientele that the café would continue to operate as usual despite the suspension of its alcohol licence.
