A "HIGHLY effective, industrial scale'' cannabis farm was uncovered in raids on Teesside, it emerged today.

Forensic examination of the premises - a former probation service headquarters in Middlesbrough - will continue over the coming days and a police guard will remain at the scene.

Immigration officers have joined the investigations following the arrest of three oriental men, following the raid of the former probation offices in Douglas Street.

It has been revealed that eight other people were following swoops on ten other addresses across Middlesbrough, yesterday.

Offences involved money laundering, being concerned in the production and supply of controlled drugs and immigration offences.