POLICE have charged two men following a pre-planned swoop on a cannabis factory within a former Greenock care home.

The pair were led away from the Mariners' building on Newark Street in handcuffs after an apparent hour-long 'standoff' yesterday morning. 

Detectives have now confirmed that a 29-year-old and a 39-year-old have been arrested and charged. 

Both are due to appear in court today. 

A fleet of police vehicles swept into the town yesterday morning as the operation got under way.

The grounds of the former Sir Gabriel Wood’s Mariners’ Home, which has lain empty for around three years, were sealed off, with the main building completely surrounded by police officers, who deployed dogs and a drone during the operation.

Police then held their positions outside the ground for over an hour.

The operation comes just three weeks after a £3.6m marijuana farm was discovered inside a premises on West Stewart Street. 

A Police Scotland Spokesperson said: "Two men aged, 29 and 39, have been arrested and charged following a pre-planned operation in Greenock.

"On Wednesday 14 February 2024, officers, acting under warrant, entered a property in Newark Street and discovered a cannabis cultivation site.

"The men are due to appear at Greenock Sheriff Court on Thursday 15 February, 2024.

"Enquiries remain ongoing."