A suspected drug dealer has appeared in court after being charged with growing cannabis within historic tunnels of a fort hidden beneath Rochester.

Police were called to the 19th century Fort Clarence, in St Margaret’s Street, last week where they found almost 200 cannabis plants at the location.

The fort, pictured here, was built in the early 19th century to help protect the River Medway from invading forces but has since been converted into apartments.

Officers were called to the site at 2.04pm last Wednesday, October 4, after cannabis was found growing inside a property, and also within the tunnels beneath the address.

Officers attended and arrested a man before seizing almost 200 plants from the location.

Rimgaudas Skeltys, 32, of St Margaret’s Street, Rochester, was charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis.

He has also been charged with possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Skeltys, appeared before magistrates in Medway on Friday, October 6.