Officers who executed a warrant at a house earlier today unearthed almost 50 cannabis plants.

The plants were discovered in a house in Dover at about 7.45am this morning.

The warrant was executed at a mid-terraced house in Malmains Road and inside police found two large grow tents filled with plants.

One tent was found upstairs and one one downstairs and officers also found extensive hydroponic equipment inside the property.

There was also evidence the electricity had been illegally abstracted.

Insp Gordon Etheridge said: "This warrant was the latest action in our ongoing fight to disrupt people who are involved in the supply of illegal drugs in Dover.

"The plants in one of the tents were ready for harvesting, but thanks to this successful warrant, they will never reach the streets."

Inquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with information about the factory, or has seen people visiting the house, to contact them.

Insp Etheridge added: "We rely on the public and our partners to provide us with information about the supply of illegal drugs.

"This is a good example of where we have acted on such information, carried out our own research and gathered sufficient intelligence to carry out a successful search warrant at the address."

Signs of a cannabis factory can include windows being permanently covered from the inside and visits to the address not matching normal residents’ patterns, that is people calling daily or weekly but only for short periods of time.

Often a pungent smell will emanate from the building.

"This is a good example of where we have acted on such information, carried out our own research and gathered sufficient intelligence to carry out a successful search warrant at the address." - Insp Gordon Etheridge

Sometimes this even seeps through walls to adjacent properties.

Other telltale signs can include compost bags and other gardening equipment in the garden or close to the back door without any clear indication of normal gardening, or vents protruding from the roof tiles.

Insp Etheridge added: "If people have concerns we urge them to contact us.

"Every piece of information we receive can help build a picture of drug supply in their area.

"We will do our best to protect the public from harm and ensure an effective response to those who are most vulnerable in our communities."

Anyone with information about cannabis factories is urged to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or to speak to their local Police Community Support Officer.