A POLICE crackdown on crime gangs has uncovered cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £85,000.

It follows the search of a house near Belfast city centre.

The cannabis factory was found during a search at Ventry Street on Monday off the Dublin Road.

Belfast city centre crime manager Det Ch Insp Colin Gillis said: “Keeping people safe is our number one priority and the discovery of this cannabis factory is another example of this.

“Drugs destroy lives and are a scourge on society.”

He added: “I would appeal to all members of the community to report any suspicious activity to police on the non-emergency number 101.”