A large cannabis farm has been discovered by police in a market town. 

Officers were called to a property in Colchester Road in Halstead on Tuesday after receiving calls reporting suspicious activity in the area. 

Essex Police said officers found an “industrial scale” cannabis farm with about 400 to 500 plants inside the property. 

Two men, one aged in his 20s and one in his 30s, were arrested on suspicion of production of a controlled drug.

Officers were called to the property after receiving calls reporting suspicious activity in the area (Image: Essex Police)

The pair have been taken to custody for questioning. 

Inspector Philip Jackson said: “Within moments of our arrival at the scene, officers surrounded the property and arrested two suspects.

“Hundreds of cannabis plants were seized and will be destroyed.

“Growing cannabis is not a victimless crime.

“When produced on a large scale such as the operation uncovered today, it is often used to fund organised crime and brings with it a range of issues including exploitation and anti-social behaviour.

“This has only been possible with the support from people in Halstead who reported their concerns, and I urge anyone seeing suspicious activity to get in touch with us.”