TWO foreign nationals have been charged with cultivating hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis found growing in old Kidderminster offices.

Police put an end to the secret cannabis production at 27 Church Street during a morning drugs bust on Monday (September 23).

Several rooms in the three-storey building were filled with the plants, with a professional ventilation system in place to maintain them.

Officers found a network of electrical boxes and ventilation tubes running along the staircase and into the rooms, as well as a bath tub filled with water.

Two men were arrested at the scene and were later charged with cultivating cannabis. They were due to appear in court yesterday.

Church Street was briefly closed while the police warrant was carried out.

The raid was conducted in collaboration with a specialist task force and safer neighbourhood teams.

Western Power Distribution were later called in to make the electrical set-up safe.

The building has since been cleared of the plants, which have been found to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds following an evaluation.

Following the warrant, PC Matthew Ling said: "We wouldn't have got this without help from the public.

"I would like to thank them for their support and information. The results from this morning have been substantial.

"It just shows you don't know standing outside on the street what's on the inside."

Inspector David King said: "The warrant went really well. It's a sophisticated and professional drugs operation.

"It has taken drugs off the streets and that's the main thing."

Police investigations are currently ongoing.