Some of the cannabis plants discovered during the police raid in the UK. Photos courtesy Essex Police.

 ESSEX - Two Vietnamese nationals have been charged by police in the UK after officers discovered hundreds of cannabis plants during a daylight raid on a busy high street.

Nguyen Phong, 22 and 26-year-old Nguyen Tam, were due to appear before a Colchester Magistrates Court on Friday accused of producing a Class B drug.

They were arrested after police raided a property on Colchester High Street and found around 500 cannabis plants on Tuesday 1 February.

Cannabis plants found during the raid are shredded on Colchester High Street by police officers.

Two other men aged 39 and 58 were also arrested. One remains in police custody and the other has been released pending further inquiries.

The discovery was made in the same county in the UK where 39 Vietnamese migrants died in the back of a lorry container in October 2018.

Police said the monetary street value of the drugs seized is expected to be ‘very significant’.   

A room inside the cannabis farm was being used as accommodation.

Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, Colchester district commander, said: “Specialist officers will remain at the scene as we gather evidence to identify all those involved in this cultivation.

“Of course, there will be some concern among our community after this discovery, but I know this investigation is moving along quickly. We are also following several other lines of enquiry.

“The trade in illegal drugs is inextricably linked to violence and the proceeds from drugs funds more criminal activity which leads to fear and misery for individuals and communities.

“Stopping the people behind the growth and sale of cannabis is vital in tackling violent crime and helps keep our community safe.” VNS