Two men have been charged after police uncovered a £1.3 million cannabis factory – thought to be the largest ever in Hertfordshire.

It was discovered in Hemel Hempstead after officers raided a former snooker club in Grovehill on Wednesday, March 16, just after 7am.

More than 2,000 plants were recovered from the building in Henry Wells Square and the electricity supply had been tampered with as part of the cultivation.

The men were charged with being concerned in the production of a controlled class B drug.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: The cannabis factory is thought to be the largest ever found in Hertfordshire. Picture: Herts Police.The cannabis factory is thought to be the largest ever found in Hertfordshire. Picture: Herts Police.

They appeared before Hatfield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 17 March, where they were remanded back into custody.

Police posted a social media post saying: “We hope that residents feel reassured to know that we have shut down this cannabis factory, as not only have we put a stop to this criminal activity but the building itself is now no longer a fire and safety hazard.”

They added that organised crime groups take advantage of people, including children, to run drugs in the county which has “devastating” consequences.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: The cannabis factory is thought to be the largest ever found in Hertfordshire. Picture: Herts Police.The cannabis factory is thought to be the largest ever found in Hertfordshire. Picture: Herts Police.