A TEAM of detectives uncovered thousands of pounds worth of cannabis and 33 cannabis plants after raiding a house in Tarporley, a court heard.

Duncan Hine, of Brook Road, Tarporley, appeared before Northwich magistrates yesterday to admit drugs charges, saying he cultivated the cannabis for his friend's use.

But police had executed a warrant at his house as they suspected the drugs were destined for youngsters on the streets.

Robin Jones, prosecuting, said: "The amount of cannabis recovered was much more than you see normally."

In addition to the 33 cannabis plants, police found a quantity of resin, a large sum of cash and drugs paraphernalia.

Hine, 24, was arrested after the swoop on his home at about 8pm a week last Tuesday. He was taken to Northwich police station where he was interviewed and he was charged the following day.

Police also arrested three 19-year-olds at Hine's address - one of the teenagers was released without charge and the another was cautioned.

But the third, Gareth Metcalf of Sadlers Wells, Bunbury, was charged with possession of cannabis and also appeared before Northwich magistrates yesterday.

Hine was charged with supplying cannabis resin to persons unknown between April 1 and September 12, possessing a quantity of resin with intent to supply and cultivating a total of 33 cannabis plants.

Metcalf was dealt with by way of a £50 fine and £50 costs while Hine's case has been sent to Chester Crown Court for sentence.

Derek MacDonald, defending Hine, told magistrates he will be exploring the possibility of a Newton hearing.

This will mean a judge can decide whether he accepts the prosecution's version of events or the defence case before he passes sentence.

A provisional sentencing hearing will take place at Chester on October 16. Meanwhile Hine is on unconditional bail.

After the successful swoop operation last week, Detective Sergeant Keith McCausland of Northwich CID said: "We believe the drugs we recovered would have been for sale to local youths in the Tarporley area.

"This should serve as a warning to anybody considering dealing drugs."