A MAN has been charged after police discovered more than 70 cannabis plants with an estimated value of almost £60k inside a house.

Officers searched a property in Swan Road in Hailsham on Saturday after reports of suspected drug activity in the area.

They found 71 cannabis plants inside, with an estimated street value of £59,000.

Police seized the plants and growing equipment and arrested a 59-year-old man at the scene.

Gintautas Zulys, of Swan Road, Hailsham, was charged with producing a controlled drug of Class B, cannabis.

He appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday and is next scheduled to appear at crown court on February 8.

Sussex Police are urging anyone who witnesses concerning or suspicious behaviour in their area to report the information to police by calling 101 or online at sussex.police.uk, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.