Cannabis: Two men charged over County Down drug farm

Two men have been charged following the discovery of a cannabis farm in County Down.

The men, aged 35 and 39, were arrested on Friday after police found what they described as a "large and sophisticated" operation.

Both have been charged with a number of offences including cultivating cannabis and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply.

They are due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Speaking following the arrests, Det Insp Kelly said the operation bore "the hallmarks of an organised criminal gang".

Specialist police teams were involved in the search due to the size and set up of the facility, while a number of items were taken away for further examination.

"The closure of this operation will likely cause massive disruption to the criminals involved," the officer added.

"We are committed to tackling the illegal drugs trade and the criminals whose only concern is how they make a profit."