HUNDREDS of cannabis plants have been found during a raid in a unit at a Basildon business park.

Essex Police executed a warrant at an industrial unit, in Bentalls Business Park, in Basildon, this morning.

Echo: Seized - More than 500 cannabis plants foundSeized - More than 500 cannabis plants found (Image: Essex Police)

Officers from Basildon’s Community Policing Team uncovered more than 500 cannabis plants.

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They also found hydroponic equipment and lights and seized 12 “large” bags of harvested cannabis.

Essex Police say all cannabis plants will be destroyed.

Echo: Seized - More than 500 cannabis plants foundSeized - More than 500 cannabis plants found (Image: Essex Police)

No arrests have been made at this stage, and an investigation is continuing.

Chief Insp Dan McHugh, Basildon district commander, said: “Tackling drugs and drug cultivation is a priority for my teams across the south of Essex.

"Our community can be reassured we will always act on any information received.

“We know it is a concern, but today we have stopped more than 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 is thanks to the public and the information that they give us, that we can proactively tackle drug issues.

"So I would encourage anyone who knows who was involved in this or any other illegal activity to contact us and we will act upon it.”