The men, who all admitted the offence, were charged on Monday 21 October 2019.

Officers made the discovery on Friday 18 October after a warrant under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act was carried out at a business park in The Street.

More than 2,500 cannabis plants were located within a number of buildings – estimated to have a value of around £1.8 million.

On entering the premises, officers also found extensive hydroponics equipment and associated electrical paraphernalia.

A 65-year-old man, who was also arrested in connection with the incident, was initially released on police bail but has subsequently been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Mark Pollikett said: “This was one of the largest cannabis factory finds in Suffolk in recent years and the overall yield from the plants from within the buildings would have been substantial.

“We continually work to disrupt such illegal factories because of the harm they cause and the associated criminal acts which go hand in hand with the running of these illegal operations.

“The combined sentence handed down today demonstrates that anyone involved in the supply of drugs will not be treated lightly by the courts and we will continue to work to ensure that Suffolk is a hostile place for this type of criminality.”

Anyone with information about drug-related activity in their community should contact Suffolk police on 101 or head online www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something