THE Orange Order has confirmed that officials "alerted the PSNI to suspected criminal activities" at two properties in Co Tyrone, leading to the discovery of a large cannabis factory.

The "sophisticated" cannabis-growing operation worth around £50,000 was discovered in adjacent houses at Main Street, Sixmilecross on Saturday evening.

The properties are understood to be owned by Sixmilecross LOL 406 and officials contacted police after locals raised suspicions about activity.

Plants and other evidence were removed from the properties, which are understood to have housed electrical equipment for growing the Class B drug, alongside a watering system.

Police said power had to be switched off by NI Electricity before officers could safely enter.

"Not only were the people responsible growing controlled drugs but they also showed scant regard for the safety of their neighbours," a spokesman said in a social media post.

PSNI Neighbourhood Team Sergeant Johnny Hamill said: "We have now seized plants with an estimated value in the region of £50,000 and have dismantled a sophisticated growing operation which was spread across two houses in the centre of the town.

"I would like to thank the member of the local community who came forward and made us aware of their concerns about these properties. We will continue to do everything possible to prevent the supply of drugs and identify those involved while at the same time, make people aware of the real danger posed to their health and their lives by illegal drugs."

Sergeant Hamill urged anyone with information on the supply of drugs to come forward.

King Anderson, Worshipful Master of Sixmilecross LOL 406, said: "Officials from Sixmilecross LOL 406 alerted the PSNI to suspected criminal activity at two properties at Main Street, Sixmilecross.

"The lodge officials worked with the PSNI and will leave this matter in their hands for further investigation."