A BUMPER crop of cannabis plants has been seized by police after discovering that an entire house had been turned into a farming facility.

Durham Police reacted to reports of suspicious activity at an Ushaw Moor property, Durham, after receiving a tip off from members of the public.

Officers from the Framwellgate Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team forced entry to the Whitehouse Lane house on Wednesday (July 13) and discovered 298 cannabis plants stashed inside.

The would-be farmers had created a sophisticated ventilation and drying facility by using 27 transformers and 35 lighting units to generate more than £200,000 worth of drugs.

Durham Police’s Sergeant Mark Mallatratt said: “[The] seizure is a great result and has stopped a significant amount of illegal drugs from entering our communities and has disrupted an organised team who are preying on the vulnerable and the young.

“The drugs are estimated to have a street value of over £207,000.

“Please remember that we take all reports of suspected drug dealing and production very seriously and will investigate every report.

“If you have any suspicions please ring 101 and speak to us in confidence.”