Chipping Sodbury police have seized 20 suspected cannabis plants after searching a house in Yate.

Uniformed officers from the station executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at the address in the town on Friday January 23 2004.

Officers found mature plants with an estimated street value of £7,000 growing in separate hydroponics systems set up in the attic of the house and in an outbuilding. They also seized a quantity of cash.

A 27-year-old man from Yate was arrested for cultivation of cannabis and has been released on police bail pending forensic tests.

Sergeant Andy McIlrath, Chipping Sodbury sector deputy, said: 'We have started this year in much the same manner as we ended last year. We will not tolerate drug production or dealing in South Gloucestershire and this is demonstrated by our actions.

'While cannabis is downgraded from a class B to a class C drug from January 29 2004 it is still an illegal drug and anyone found in possession of it could still be arrested.

'Anyone convicted of possession of cannabis with intent to supply faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.'

FOR more Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Wiltshire news, order a regular copy of the Sunday Independent. FIRST. BEST. EVERY SUNDAY...