EAGLE-eyed neighbourhood officers have uncovered a cannabis factory containing £250,000 worth of drugs in Kent.

Police Community Support Officers Marcus West and Kathryn Francis were on patrol n Gillingham on Tuesday when they spotted a large industrial filter at the rear of a house in Corporation Road.

The pair recognised that such items were often associated with cannabis growth and further investigation revealed a hydroponics factory inside the property containing 110 plants, each with a street value of £250.

The flat was not occupied when the discovery was made and police officers dismantled the factory. An investigation is underway.

PCSO West said: “These factories are not only illegal but also pose a serious risk of fire due to the large amount of electricity needed to run the heat lamps and other equipment.

“By shutting down this operation we have not only taken more than £250,000 worth of cannabis off the streets but we are also making the area safer for residents.”

Police are asking Medway residents to be on the look-out for signs of possible illegal drugs activity, which include, windows permanently covered from the inside, erratic visits to the addresses, removal of quantities of black bags, a pungent smell emanating from the property and possibly a vent protruding from the roof tiles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 891055 or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.