Police in Switzerland have stumbled across a gigantic marijuana plantation while using the Google Earth internet search.

The head of Zurich police's narcotics unit, Norbert Klossner, said the marijuana was hidden inside a field of corn.

But officers using the satellite mapping software to locate two farmers suspected of involvement in a large drug ring quickly spotted the illegal crop.

Mr Klossner told reporters in Zurich that the plantation measured almost two acres.

Authorities are questioning 16 people over alleged offences linked to the sale of up to seven tons of hashish and marijuana between 2004 and 2008.

Belfast Telegraph