Three people have been arrested after a "large scale cannabis factory" was discovered in Ilford.

Cannabis with an estimated street value of £700,000 were seized after police raided a property in Hainault Street this morning (February 16).

%image(15033039, type="article-full", alt="The "large scale cannabis factory" was found in the Ilford Town ward")

Police say the factory was found behind a cavity wall hidden by a shelving unit, which had to be removed for access.

%image(15033040, type="article-full", alt="The factory was behind a cavity wall hidden a shelving unit, which had to be removed for access.")

A Met spokesperson said the bust was a result of work by the Met's East Area drugs focus desk supported by the dog unit, Redbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team and the new Ilford Town Centre team.

Inspector Yasar Noori of East Area Command said: “This was a great result.

"Over a half a million in cannabis that now won’t be sold or used on our streets.

“We take all information supplied seriously, particularly when it relates to the crimes that really affect local areas and the people living and working in them.

%image(15033035, type="article-full", alt="Police arrested three people after finding the plants")

“If you know about someone growing cannabis or dealing drugs please don’t hesitate - get in touch.”

The investigation is ongoing.