ALMOST 3,000 cannabis plants, worth an estimated £2 million, have been found in Southend.

The enormous cultivation was found at Grainger Road industrial estate, after a warrant was executed during the early hours of Sunday.

Five units containing a total of 2,878 plants were found during the search.

The operation was led by the Southend's proactive policing team and supported by officers from the force's search team and operational support group.

Officers worked with the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, UK Power Networks and Southend Council to remove and destroy the drugs.

A 31-year-old man and a 35-year-old man, both from Southend, were arrested and subsequently charged with being concerned in the production of Class B drugs.

Southend District Commander, Chief Inspector Ian Hughes said: "This is an excellent result, not just for Southend, but the entire county.

"Drug expert witnesses estimate the drugs would have been worth in excess of two million pounds on the street, and I have no doubt this seizure will have a big impact on the drugs market in Southend.

"Drugs destroy lives and we will continue to do everything in our power to get them off our streets and bring those responsible for supplying and distributing them, to justice."