A 22-year-old man has been charged after an estimated £600,000 worth of cannabis was discovered by police in east Belfast.

Detectives uncovered the suspected cannabis factory following a planned search of a commercial premises in Castlereagh on Tuesday.

The man has been charged with cultivating cannabis, possession of Class B drugs and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply, producing a Class B drug and failing to observe Immigration Act restrictions.

He is expected to appear at Ards Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.

A 53-year-old man who was arrested in the Antrim area on Tuesday, on suspicion of conspiracy to produce Class B drugs, has been released on bail.

Three other men and two women who were also arrested remain in custody.

Belfast Telegraph