HUNDREDS of cannabis plants have been discovered during a police raid in Benfleet.

The Castle Point Policing Team along with Essex Police’s Operational Support Group (OSG) and the Firearms Support Unit (FSU) found 650 plants at a commercial premises yesterday.

A warrant was executed under section 23 of the misuse of drugs act 1971.

The plants were found across two floors, with the cultivation having been well established.

Police have seized the plants and equipment and police enquiries are ongoing.

No arrests have been made.

A spokesman for the Castle Point team said: “A big thank you to our colleagues from OSG, FSU, TCT and CSi for their assistance in the successful execution of this warrant, which was only made possible due to intelligence received from the community.”

Anyone with information about suspected drugs cultivation should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via their website.

Thurrock Gazette: