A community leader has said he is pleased two cannabis factories have been uncovered in Ipswich.

Three men have been charged after police discovered cannabis farms in properties in Willoughby Road and Portman Road.

Officers launched an investigation after a vehicle containing items consistent with producing cannabis was stopped in Cavendish Street on Tuesday.

A total of 117 small cannabis plants and 123 mature plants were found at the address in Willoughby Road, near the railway station.

After searching a flat in Churchman's House in Portman Road, police discovered 83 small cannabis plants and 71 mature plants. 

Ipswich Star: One of the factories was discovered in Willoughby Road, IpswichOne of the factories was discovered in Willoughby Road, Ipswich (Image: Suffolk police)

Hamit Velia, 19, of Portman Road, Ipswich, was subsequently charged with production of cannabis and being concerned in the production of cannabis.

Euglen Aliaj, 25, of Dunlop Road, Ipswich, has been charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis, driving with no insurance and driving with no licence.

Endri Rredhi, 33, of Redi Close, Ipswich, has been charged with concerned in the production of cannabis and possession of cocaine.

The trio appeared before Suffolk Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

Peter Gardiner, councillor for the Gipping ward, said drug dealing was "a menace to society" and was pleased the drugs farms had been busted.

He said: "There are occasions when these factories are uncovered. I hadn't heard of any in this area, but it seems the information has been fed back to the police. 

"I know that there are occasionally cannabis factories that are found across the town. From time to time, they come to light. There is also a business where they can get around the electrical meters.

"I will discuss this situation with my fellow ward councillors, but it's not something that I would necessarily be looking to promote.

"It's good that they have found these. Drug dealers are a menace to society."