Police find cannabis plants worth 拢295,000

Image source, Northumbria Police

Image caption, The plants were found after properties in Ashington were raided

Two men have been charged as more than 700 cannabis plants worth up to 拢295,000 were found.

Police raided homes in Ashington, Northumberland, shortly after 08:00 BST on Wednesday.

They found more than 360 cannabis plants in the town's George Street and a further 379 in Station Road.

Two men, aged 38 and 29, were arrested at the scene and charged with cannabis production.

They were due to appear at Mid and South East Northumberland Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Image source, Northumbria Police

Image caption, The action came after an investigation into organised crime in Northumberland

Det Ch Insp Dave Simpson said: "Cannabis farms 鈥 particularly of this scale 鈥 have the potential to generate cash which can be reinvested into serious organised crime."

He added: "Landlords should also be on their guard to check on those who are renting their properties and premises, and for what purpose."

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