POLICE are celebrating a major victory in their battle against the illegal drugs trade.

Cannabis plants valued at several hundreds of thousands of pounds were seized during a raid on a property in North Yorkshire.

Officers found more than 500 plants growing at the address in Copgrove, Harrogate , when they burst in on Tuesday afternoon.

As well as seizing the plants, police have also confiscated hydroponic equipment used to cultivate the cannabis.

However no-one was arrested during the raid - and inquiriies to identify and find those rresponsible are still continuing.

Detective Sergeant Jason Marchant said: ”This was clearly a sophisticated operation run by professional criminals.

“This seizure has removed a significant amount of drugs from the supply chain.”

He added: “I want the raid to send a clear message to anyone involved with the production and supply of illegal drugs that their activities will not be tolerated.

“North Yorkshire Police will act quickly when we receive intelligence to disrupt criminal behaviour at every level.”

He appealed for anyone with information about thsoe behind the cannabis farm find to contact police as soon as possible.

Contact police on 101, press option two and ask for Harrogate CID. Alternatively information can be emailed to jason.marchant@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.