Two men have been charged after police today allegedly uncovered "one of the biggest cannabis growing operations in Hawke's Bay".
More than 200 cannabis plants were discovered in a leased commercial property on Orchard Rd in Camberley this morning.
The pair allegedly built three rooms and a loft to contain equipment and grow 216 plants inside the building after it was leased just three months ago.
Three of the rooms contained 72 plants each at different stages of growth.
Detective Inspector Marty James said: "This was a significant, large-scale commercial operation.
"It is one of the biggest cannabis growing operations I’ve seen in Hawke’s Bay, with 216 well-propagated plants just coming into production."
Police allege there was also evidence at the property to suggest the growers were stealing electricity to power lights and fans to aid the growing process.
"There would have been a significant cost involved in setting up this operation, and I believe we busted the operation right before the growers were able to harvest their first crop," James said.
The plants – which were nearly mature – had an estimated street value of between $600,000 and $750,000.
Two men, aged 45 and 49, were due to appear in the Hastings District Court on Friday charged with cannabis cultivation.
James called the discovery a "valuable reminder to commercial property owners to do their due diligence when leasing properties to tenants".
"Be mindful about who your tenants are, and what they are actually doing in your buildings."
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