FOUR suspects have been charged on suspicion of producing a class B drug after a multi-million pound cannabis farm was shut down by officers.

The drugs factory was discovered by police following an early morning raid at a disused nightclub in the town centre on Friday.

Le Trung, aged 48, and Tuan van Phan, aged 35, both of no fixed abode, were formally charged on Saturday following the discovery of the cannabis farm, which police say had the potential to make £6m in a year.

The pair have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Chester Crown Court on February 23.

Two juveniles, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with the same offence and will also appear at Chester Crown Court on February 23.

The drugs factory, which was discovered in the former nightclub, Club Wired, on Mersey Street, held more than 1,600 cannabis plants.

The foursome was arrested after they were discovered by officers attempting to hide in the property with one of the suspects trying to conceal his presence beneath the shrubbery.

Following the raid, which took place at around 8am, the four suspects were taken into police custody.

Inspector Richie Watts from Warrington Town NPU: "This was a significant find and fortunately, we have been able to put a stop to it. 

"Over 1,600 cannabis plants of varying stages of growth have been recovered from inside the premises. 

"This is a great result as we believe that these drugs could well have been destined for the streets of Warrington or further afield. 

"This is an extremely large cannabis factory, and we estimate the street value of all of the plants is approximately £1.5 million, which could generate a potential annual income of over £6 million."

Inspector Watts added that this was an issues police take seriously.

He said: "Members of the public can rest assured that our efforts in this area will continue.

"Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against drug related crime. 

"Drug use and supply is an issue of concern for the local community and we continue to do all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity."

Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activity in their area by contacting Cheshire Police on 101.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.