A man has appeared in court following the seizure of £500,000 of cannabis plants by neighbourhood policing officers in Cold Norton.

Nang Phung, 27, appeared before Chelmsford magistrates on 20 June, charged with the production of cannabis plants with a street value of £500,000. He was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing, due on 20 July at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Officers from Maldon and Chelmsford neighbourhood policing teams executed a warrant at an industrial unit off Latchingdon Road, Cold Norton, on 19 June.

When they entered the unit, they found approximately 680 cannabis plants at various stages of growth. The plants have been seized.

Sergeant Matt Dalby says: “Large cannabis grows are far from harmless and are often associated with exploitation of vulnerable people.

“We will continue to target those involved in drug activity across the Maldon District and community intelligence plays a vital part in tackling this and other serious crime.

“So, I urge anyone with concerns to report them, your information makes a real difference. You can report via our website at www.essex.police.uk or, anonymously, via Crimestoppers.”

With permissions Essex Police Media