A CANNABIS factory set up to to grow millions of pounds of the drug has been found by Kent Police.

The operation was set up in an industrial unit in Whitehall Road at Ramsgate and was discovered on Monday in a police raid.

There were 2,000 plants growing in the building, utilising a sophisticated hydroponics system.

Det Insp Nick Greenan said: "This is the largest plantation of cannabis ever uncovered in Thanet. It is a well set-up operation, with lights, an irrigation system, nurseries and several rooms with plants in various stages of growth."

He stressed: "The factory had the potential to produce millions of pounds of drugs.

"Crime scene investigators are at the plantation taking forensic samples after which the building will be emptied and the plants destroyed."

Police have not yet made any arrests in connection with the seizure.