Coleraine police commander Chief Inspector Nicky Thompson

POLICE smashed a cannabis growing factory and seized £400,000 worth of plants.

Officers searched the property in Articlave village, outside Coleraine, on Wednesday. They said it was being used as a “cannabis factory”.

A 56-year-old man arrested following the raid has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Coleraine PSNI commander Nicky Thompson said the discovery was “an indication of our commitment to remove drugs from circulation”.

AddedChief Inspector Thompson: “Officers have been working with the local community in Coleraine to tackle the issue of drug supply and distribution.

“We have taken these drugs off the street and have made our communities safer as a result.”

The area commander appealed to anyone with information about the drugs to contact police.