A cannabis farm at a popular former pub has been shut down after a police sting uncovered a “massive” haul of 1,500 plants.

Essex Police raided the former Belvedere pub in Hardings Elm Road, Crays Hill at about 7pm on Saturday, arresting seven men and one woman from Suffolk and London.

The stash is half the amount that police found during a similar raid in Ongar on Friday, where they raided a cannabis factory, finding 800 plants.

All eight defendants will appear at Basildon Magistrates Court tomorrow morning. 

Investigating Officer, Ds Lisa Haines, said: "The closure of this farm on the back of the one in Ongar on Friday really does show how seriously Essex Police takes the problem of cannabis cultivation."

Jeremiah Dill, a 30-year-old unemployed man from Black Horse Lane in Ipswich, has been charged with being in possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Kieven Smith, a 38-year-old unemployed man from Burrell Road in Ipswich, has also been charged with being in possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Michael Bridger, a 31-year-old fencer from Fishponds Lane in the Holbrook suburb of Ipswich, also has been charged with being in possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Gazmend Daci, a 26-year-old unemployed man from Wherstead Road in Ipswich, has been charged with two counts of being in possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Ingrida Aleknaviciute, a 27-year-old unemployed woman also from Wherstead Road in Ipswich, has too been charged with two counts of being in possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply.

Edmond Koleci, a 26-year-old unemployed man from Morley Avenue in Wood Green, has been charged with producing a Class B drug.

Tuan Dang, a 28-year-old unemployed man of no fixed address and 55-year-old Hong Tran, also of no fixed address, have both been charged with one count of producing a Class B drug.

All eight have been detained in custody ahead of their appearance.