A DRUGS haul estimated to be worth more than half a million pounds was uncovered following a police raid yesterday.

The massive haul of cannabis was uncovered after officers, acting on community intelligence, targeted a house in Redcar at around 1.50pm on Thursday, August 3.

Officers found more than 500 plants, with a statement from Cleveland Police saying that they believe the drugs seized could be worth between £500,000 and £700,000.

Those behind the cannabis farm had bypassed the property’s electricity supply to hook their equipment up to the mains power supply on Henry Street.

PC Wayne Pursley, from the Redcar Neighbourhood Policing Team, said it was clear that the marijuana was intended for the streets of Teesside.

A statement from Cleveland Police issued this morning added: “We would like to thank the community as we could not have done this without the information we received.”

Following the raid, workmen dug up the road outside the property in an attempt to make the electricity supply safe.

Officers carried out investigations throughout the evening as they removed plants and equipment from the house.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the production of cannabis and is believed to be in police custody.

Campaigners responded to news of the cannabis farm by calling for the legalisation of the drug in a bid to remove it from the hands of black market dealers and regulate and safeguard its production.

John Holliday, from the Teesside Cannabis Club, said: “Regulation is the only way to win the war on drugs.”

Police are appealing for anyone with information regarding drug supply or dealing to contact police on non-emergency number 101.