An electrician’s keen observations have led to the discovery of a large-scale cannabis growing operation in Ōtāhuhu, where police seized hundreds of plants from a commercial warehouse.
Police were alerted on Wednesday afternoon after the electrician noticed unusual wiring and ventilation systems at a Queen Street property—features often linked to illegal indoor cultivation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward of Counties Manukau West CIB said the tip-off proved accurate.
“Ventilation pipes were visible, and there was an unmistakable smell coming from the building,” he said.
“It was clear this was not a normal setup.”
Officers secured the scene and executed a search warrant the following day, uncovering approximately 360 cannabis plants being cultivated inside the warehouse.
The plants were being grown beneath 15 separate tents, indicating a significant commercial-scale operation.
Police inquiries are ongoing.
