TWO Vietnamese nationals have appeared in court after police seized hundreds of cannabis plants before shredding them in the middle of Colchester High Street.

Phong Nguyen, 22, and Tam Nguyen, 26, were charged with producing a Class B drug after officers uncovered a growing operation in a flat above a café last month.

Stunned shoppers watched on as police dismantled equipment used in the cannabis farm and used a petrol-powered shredding machine to chop up about 500 cannabis plants.

The pair, both of no fixed address, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court today.

Speaking through a Vietnamese interpreter, Tam Nguyen admitted the charge, while Phong Nguyen was not asked to enter a plea.

Recorder Douglas Edwards QC set a trial date for July 26, telling Phong: “Between now and your trial, as advised by your solicitor, you will be required to produce a sufficiently-detailed defence statement.

“If you fail to produce a sufficiently-detailed defence case statement, that may count against you.

“You’re required to attend court when directed. If you fail to do so, that may give rise to a separate offence for which you will receive a separate penalty.

“You have a right to give evidence at the trial.”

Tam was told he will face sentence at the conclusion of his co-defendant’s trial, which is expected to last between three and four days.

The cannabis plants were seized from a flat above the Poppins Cafe and Restaurant, in Colchester High Street, on February 1.

Everything from large heat lamps and bulbs to lengthy cables were dumped in large boxes positioned on the pavement.

After widening a cordon, officers off loaded a petrol-powered shredding machine from a police van before chopping down the cannabis plants.

The extraordinary sight of the drugs being shredded in the town centre attracted a large crowd.

Sofya Myakoshina, operations manager at The George, said: “We were all shocked that something like this could happen on the High Street in Colchester right under our noses.”

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