DRUGS worth up to £600,000 have been discovered in a cannabis factory in Evesham town centre on Tuesday.

Police found more than 700 cannabis plants at the Railway Hotel in High Street, Evesham, after searching the building late on Tuesday afternoon.

The plants, which were under cultivation in an upstairs flat, were said to be part of a professional set-up enterprise and have been removed from the now secure building.

Detective Inspector Neil Austin, in charge of the investigation, said: “This is a large-scale commercial enterprise with more than 700 cannabis plants ranging from seedlings to mature plants.

“The estimated street value would range up to £600,000. Our inquiries are continuing to trace the people behind this operation. No-one has been arrested to date.”

He said various items of equipment used in the production of cannabis were also seized.

“We are appealing for any information which might assist with the investigation. Our inquiries will now focus on identifying and tracing those behind the operation.

“Information can be forwarded to Worcester CID by calling 101. Details can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 for which a reward may be paid.”

DI Austin added the police were delighted to have uncovered such a large-scale operation, preventing a large quantity of illegal drugs from being distributed.

“We carried out the search warrant following intelligence about suspicious activity at the address.

“This demonstrates, yet again, how important it is for members of the public to contact the police on 101 if they suspect drug cultivation or any other type of drug activity going on in their communities”.

He added: “If the public notify us about suspected criminal activity we will always check it out. By working together we will make our communities safer places and take strong action against the small minority of offenders who spread misery.”