POLICE have seized cannabis plants and hydroponic growing equipment worth several thousands of pounds in raids on homes in the Stanley area of County Durham.

On Wednesday last week, officers found a cannabis farm containing plants worth up to £40,000 when they searched an empty house in Edward Terrace, New Kyo.

In a follow-up operation this Wednesday, they raided homes at Catchgate and Annfield Plain and arrested four men believed to be responsible for the cannabis farm - and found more plants.

Two were arrested at a house in Beech Terrace, Catchgate, where 30 to 40 plants were found and the others in Blackett Street, Annfield Plain, where up to 30 were discovered.

Inspector Ian Proud, estimated the value of the seized drugs at about £50,000, said: "When we went to Blackett Street, we found a car with the boot open that contained cannabis plants that had just been picked. We went into the house and found another cannabis farm.

"The investment that has been made in growing equipment has been significant.''

The team of 15 officers also found what are believed to be ecstasy tablets and, at an allotmen, stolen goods, including central heating boilers.

They are still looking for another man in connection with the seizures.

The four men, aged 17 to 24, were arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and later released on police bail pending further inquiries and forensic tests on the plants that were seized.

The raids were part of a blitz on crime in the Stanley area during the summer holidays under the Durham Constabulary's Street Safe initiative.