A hydroponics factory was found and cocaine, cannabis and cash seized in a series of police raids in Maidstone.

Police say the factory - found on Wednesday February 24 in Gravelly Bottom Road - contained 250 cannabis plants, with an estimated street value of £10,000.

Later that afternoon police swooped on a flat in Kingfisher Meadow. A 27-year-old man was charged with producing cannabis worth £1,300 and will appear at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Friday March 12.

The raids continued yesterday morning, Thursday February 25, with officers seizing cannabis worth £500 in Wallis Avenue. Two men, aged 21 and 23, were arrested and questioned by police.

A 23-year-old man has now been charged with cultivating cannabis and is due appear before magistrates in Maidstone on Monday March 15.

Later that day cash and cocaine were found at a property in Connaught Close. A 37-year-old man has now been charged with possession of class A and B drugs and will also appear before magistrates on Monday March 15.

Police Sergeant Andy Miller from the Urban Neighbourhood Team comments: “Wherever we receive information about illegal drug use or supply, we will respond swiftly to deal with such matters. We are committed to reacting to residents concerns and bringing those involved in drug dealing to justice.”