POLICE officers executing a warrant at an industrial unit in Basildon this morning (Friday, 8 March) uncovered more than 500 cannabis plants.

The warrant, executed by Basildon's Community Policing Team, was carried out at around 9am.

Officers forced the door to the industrial unit, in Bentalls Business Park, where they found more than 500 cannabis plants, alongside hydroponic equipment and lights.

They also seized 12 large bags of harvested cannabis.

No arrests have been made at this stage and the investigation continues.

Chief Inspector Dan McHugh, Basildon district commander, said: "Tackling drugs and drug cultivation is a priority for my teams across the south of Essex and our community can be reassured we will always act on any information received.

"We know it's a concern, but today we've stopped over 500 cannabis plants from eventually hitting our streets, causing issues for our residents and businesses through the related anti-social behaviour and violence that drugs bring with them.

"It's thanks to the public and the information that they give us, that we can proactively tackle drug issues so I'd encourage anyone who knows who was involved in this or any other illegal activity to contact us and we will act upon it."