Around 160 cannabis plants were discovered growing in a property after a council's investigation into dumped bin bags.

In May, 30 sacks of waste containing the remains of illegal cannabis cultivation were found by Gravesham’s environmental enforcement team in Batts Road, Luddesdown.

Investigations by the squad led to an area in Chatham from where it was believed the rubbish originated, and details of a vehicle possibly involved in the offence.

Working with police, a warrant was executed at an address in Dunlin Drive, St Mary’s Island, last Wednesday where around 160 cannabis plants were found growing in several rooms.

Waste from the cultivation was also found in the garage, awaiting another possible fly-tipping.

One person was arrested at the scene.

Following the operation, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, cabinet member for community and leisure, said: "The rural areas of our borough suffer from a large number of incidents where the waste from illegal cannabis cultivation is fly-tipped.

"These often occur in isolated areas of natural beauty and have a serious impact on the environment and local communities as the waste dumped includes large amounts of contaminated compost, plastic and chemicals.

"Fly-tipping is often linked to organised criminal gangs, none more so than where it is a by-product of large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation, which is often undertaken by multi-national organised crime groups who use properties under the guise of legitimate renters. Their activities often involve human trafficking and modern day slavery.

"The cultivations involve the use of large amounts of electricity taken illegally from the mains supply, often through dangerous wiring, and there is always the likelihood of fire and a serious risk to neighbouring properties.

"We will continue to work closely with our colleagues at Kent Police to tackle illegal drug production and the offences resulting from it."

He added the enforcement team attend all reports involving the dumping of suspected cannabis cultivations, carry out thorough examinations and work with police when evidence is found.

Inquiries by the council and police into this latest incident are continuing.

If you have information or concerns relating to illegal drug production or supply, contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

If you witness fly-tipping or suspicious activity that may be connected to it, please contact Gravesham council’s environmental enforcement team via Tipoff@gravesham.gov.uk or by calling 01474 337262.