by Martin Jefferies

A tip-off from a local resident has led Kent Police to a huge cannabis factory on a Margate business park.

Around 500 plants were found in a warehouse in Continental Approach on the Westwood Industrial Estate.

The plants are thought to have a street value of thousands of pounds.

Police raided the cannabis factory yesterday morning and arrested eight people, all of whom have been bailed pending further investigations.

Officers were alerted to suspicious behaviour at the warehouse by a member of the public.

Det Sgt Chris Greenstreet, who is leading the police inquiry, said: "This action is part of a sustained effort to tackle drugs locally and I'm pleased this cannabis will not find its way into the hands of young people who are considering experimenting with drugs.

"By shutting down this operation, we've taken a large amount of cannabis off the streets and made the area safer."

A spokesman for Kent Police said officers had to contend with a number of trip hazards, loose wires and low-level obstructions in the warehouse, which was also poorly lit.

Local people have been asked to check for signs of illegal drugs activity in properties in their neighbourhood. These can include a pungent smell, windows being permanently covered from the inside and daily or weekly visits from the occupants for only short periods of time.

Large numbers of black bags may also be carried from the property and compost bags and gardening equipment may be left near the back door. Sometimes a vent protruding from the roof tiles may be visible.

To report any suspicious behaviour, contact Kent Police on 01622 690690 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.