A MAN has admitted a charge of being concerned in the production of a Class B drug after several hundred cannabis plants were found in a terraced house.

Hung Xuan Nguyen pleaded guilty during a hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday, July 31).

The 29-year-old was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

He was arrested after police discovered what they described as a substantial cannabis farm, worth several thousands of pounds, at the house in Branksome Terrace, Darlington.

The 300 plants were found growing in the attic and first floor rooms of the house following a tip-off given to Crimestoppers.

PC Jim Edwards, of Darlington police, said officers had been working with the nearby community for a number of months to gather intelligence.

He said: “The plants were at varying stages of growth, from saplings to fully grown plants.

“It was a substantial grow and this will disrupt the organised criminals in the area.

“It wasn’t just your run of the mill grow with around 30, 40 or 50 plants – this was a proper criminal farm that had been set up.

“It is a great result for Darlington police and a bad result for organised criminals.”

Anyone with suspicions about the growing of cannabis should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.