An electrician's keen senses have helped police shut down a large-scale commercial grow house in South Auckland – cheekily set up one road away from the suburb's main street.
On Wednesday afternoon, police were called after a sparky working nearby noticed "unusual wiring" outside a warehouse on Queen St in "the heart of Ōtāhuhu", Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said.
"Ventilation pipes were also seen, which gave the telltale signs that the warehouse was being used for illegal activity.
"An unmistakable smell was coming from the ventilation – it was a cannabis growing operation."
Police put a scene guard in place while a search was carried out on Thursday.
Hayward said around 360 cannabis plants were found inside the warehouse under 15 tents.
"No occupants were located inside at the time, but all of the plants have since been destroyed," he said.
"We would like to acknowledge the man for acting on his senses and reporting the suspicious set up to us."
Anyone who spots suspicious activity was urged to contact police on 111 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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