MORE than 100 semi-mature cannabis plants were seized by officers when they swooped on a terraced house in north Kent.

The plants, thought to be worth up to £7,000, were discovered when officers raided premises in Mounts Road, Greenhithe, near Dartford, on Monday, January 28.

It was the 12th cannabis farm closure by the area’s Drug Intervention Team since April last year.

The plants were growing in each of the three bedrooms of the property.

A complicated and costly light, heat and irrigation system was also in place and the electricity meter had been bypassed.

This latest find means that police in North Kent have seized more than 2,784 plants, which would have produced drugs worth around £250,000 on the streets.

Sgt Ivan Beasley, of the Drugs Intervention Team, said: "This illegal factory was discovered thanks to the eyes and ears of those in the community. We would ask people to be vigilant and keep an eye on their neighbours and if they think drugs are being grown or dealt on their doorsteps, just let us know."

Other cannabis farms have already been shut down in Astra Drive, Gravesend; Kings Drive, Gravesend; Coombfield Drive, Darenth; Littlebrook Manor Way, Temple Hill, Dartford; High Street, Swanscombe; Tynedale Close, Dartford; Hillhouse Road, Stone; Hillview, New Barn; Great Queen Street, Dartford; Medhurst Gardens, Gravesend and Ash Crescent, Higham.

Police in North Kent are asking 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 close to 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 to call 01322 283115 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.