ALMOST 800 cannabis plants believed to have a street value of up to £500,000 were seized by police after raids on industrial units.

Officers from the Castle Point Community Team and operational support group uncovered 784 plant when they forced their way into the units, in Pudsey Hall Lane, Canewdon today.

Police say the “sophisticated” operation has been disrupted and the drugs were destined for the streets of south Essex.

Sgt Alfie McPhilimey, who led the operation, said: “This was a large scale and sophisticated cannabis growing operation spread over a number of units, and we’ve seized a significant amount of drugs, which would have been destined for the streets of our communities.

“Today’s warrant is just part of the work we’re doing every day to target criminals involved in the drugs supply chain, which is closely associated with violence and the exploitation of vulnerable people.”

He added: “Our investigation remains ongoing and we’d like to hear from anyone with information that could help with our enquiries.

“I also ask anyone who sees any signs of cannabis cultivation in their communities to please contact us so we can take action.”

Two men, aged 19 and 53m were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

The men, who are both from the Rochford area, were still being quizzed by police as the Echo went to print last night.

Anyone with information should call 101 or go online at https://www.essex.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charitu anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.