SIX people have been charged with drugs offences after a suspected cannabis factory was uncovered in East Croydon.

Police raided a property in Oval Road last Thursday as part of a three-month investigation into a suspected large scale cannabis operation.

Several suspected cannabis plants were discovered by officers who believe they were being grown by an organised criminal gang.

As part of the investigation officers also executed a warrant at a property in Windermere Road, Coulsdon, and three others at addresses in West Molesey, Isleworth and Roehampton.

During the operation 17 people were arrested. Of these 11 were released on bail pending further enquiries.

The other six, Hung Huu Nguyen, 24, Mai Nguyen, 27, Hung Phi Nguyen, 43, Nam Van Do, 22, My Huyen Luong, 24 and Ha Thi Tran, 33, have all been charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

They appeared at Woking Magistrates' Court on Saturday and were remanded in custody to appear at Guildford Crown Court on August 6.