A drugs factory was discovered when officers on police foot patrol noticed the smell of cannabis and followed the scent to a Maidstone house.

The keen-nostrilled officers sniffed the distinctive scent while patrolling in Downswood on Thursday, January 19, and traced it to a home in Lenside Drive.

They discovered a hoard of 20 marijuana plants. Another 60 plant pots which had been recently used were also found at the address.

A 41-year-old man from Bearsted was arrested on suspicion of cultivating the Class B drug.

He has been released on bail and will have to report to Maidstone police station on Thursday, March 29.

See today's Kent Messenger for full story.