A secret large-scale cannabis operation has been discovered in woodland in West Kingsdown.

Police searched the woods near Fawkham Road and found two areas containing 492 cannabis plants worth about £100,000 in street value.

Police said the culprit will be disappointed their hard gardening work has been seized just four to six weeks before they would have been ready to harvest.

Detective Inspector Graham Curtis said: "‘Those responsible for this criminal enterprise have spent a considerable amount of time cultivating the plants.

"With a street value of approximately £100,000, somebody will no doubt be disappointed to hear there will not be a return on months’ worth of horticultural effort.

"We have made and continue to make extensive enquiries to identify the offenders."

Anyone with information is asked to phone Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 20-0656. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The plants were discovered on Monday, September 4.