POLICE have dealt a major blow to the drugs network in the county following the execution of five warrants this morning.

Officers closed down cannabis factories and seized hundreds of plants from four houses across the Medway Towns.

The action have resulted in £256,200 worth of cannabis being seized. This brings the total street value of the drug seized in the Medway area since October to more than £1million.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

Today’s action brings the total number of cannabis factories uncovered in Medway since October to 15 and this figure is set to rise as the police operation continues. Det Insp John Coull, who ran today’s initiative, said: "Our efforts enforce our message that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in the drugs market in Medway.

"Today we have shown that we are taking action to make the area safer and I was encouraged by the number of positive comments and support we received from local people.

"These factories pose a risk to the community as often electricity metres are bypassed and the chances of a fire breaking out is high.

"I would like to ask landlords and neighbours to be vigilant and report any suspicions they have to us, as together we can make the Medway area an even safer place to live."

After the initial action the Medway Neighbourhood Policing Unit in partnership with the Community Safety Street team spoke with residents and issued them with information on Neighbourhood Watch, CrimeStoppers and crime prevention.

The raids were also filmed using a ‘headcam’ device, the latest pioneering crime-fighting technology currently being trailed by officers in Medway.

Police are asking Medway residents to be on the look-out for signs of possible illegal drugs activity, which include:

* Windows will be permanently covered from the inside. Visits to the addresses will not match normal residents patterns

* The offenders may call daily or weekly but only for short periods

* Removal of quantities of black bags

Compost bags and other gardening equipment in the garden but near the back door

* A pungent smell emanating from the property

" Sometimes a vent protruding from the roof tiles will be visible.

Anyone with information is asked contact Kent Police on telephone 01634 891055 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on telephone 0800 555 111.

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Five warrants executed by officers in Medway today have resulted in £256, 200 worth of cannabis being seized. This brings the total street value of the drug seized in the area since October to over one million pounds (£1,104,804 in total).

This morning police conducted warrants at four Medway addresses, a fifth took place this afternoon in Dale Street, Chatham, a 57-year-old man was also arrested from the property.

As a result of today’s effort 938 cannabis plants were taken of the streets. The operation is still ongoing.

Today’s action brings the total number of cannabis factories uncovered in Medway since October to sixteen.