A DOZEN people appeared in court today following a major investigation into a network of cannabis factories across the south.

They all appeared before Southampton Magistrates' Court on charges of conspiracy to produce cannabis.

All 12 defendants will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on July 6 for a case management hearing.

Six other people, four men and two women, arrested as part of Operation Elmer have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

An additional four people, two men and two women, arrested on suspicion of immigration offences have all been dealt with by the Immigration Service.

Three of the four were found to be working illegally in a nail bar in the Southampton area.

Six defendants have been remanded in custody.

They are:

Hue Hoang, 42, of Shirley Towers, Shirley, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Mo Thi Nguyen, 14, of Shirley Towers, Shirley, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Khiem Thi Hoang 43, of Tosson Close, Millbrook, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Tich Nguyen, 51, of Tosson Close, Millbrook, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Duyen Thi Le, 22, of Amey Gardens, Totton, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Van Tuyen Nguyen, 40, of The Crossways, Porchester, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

The following six were released on bail with conditions.

Dang Van Le, 38, of Coxford Road, Shirley, Southampton, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Vinh Quang, 25, of Hall Lane, Chingford, London, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Thu Thi Tran, 26, of Hall Lane, Chingford, London, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Thi Thu Trang Tran, 27, of Hall Lane, Chingford, London, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Vui T Vu, 22, of Fossdene Road, Charlton, London, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.

Duc Dai Nguyen, 33, of Hall Lane, Chingford, London, charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.