POLICE in the Medway Towns have closed down two more cannabis factories as part of their ongoing drive to combat drugs.

The latest incidents bring the total number of factories shut down the area since last October to 24.

On Tuesday, police executed drugs warrants at two houses in Chatham. Officers seized 165 plants with a street value of £41,250 from a house in Gordon Road. The factory had been abandoned.

The team then went onto Hartington Street where they seized 153 plants worth around £53,550. A 38-year-old man was arrested.

Det Insp John Coull said: "We are clearing Medway of cannabis and are conscious of the impact this has on drug users. With this in mind we have been promoting a drug intervention programme run by the Grey Zebra Foundation.

"The group offers impartial advice to young people about drugs whilst aiming to help them beat the habit and break the cycle of drug abuse."