Two men have been arrested after hundreds of cannabis plants, worth thousands of dollars, were discovered in Whangārei.
Police allege more than 300 cannabis plants were found at a commercial address in the central city.
Northland CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford said specialist police groups, including officers from the National Organised Crime Group, conducted a search warrant at the address on Tuesday.
"A large-scale enterprise like this can illegally generate millions of dollars if undetected," Det Snr Sgt Crawford said.
"Two men believed to be involved in this offending were located at the address and were arrested."
The pair, aged 36 and 38, faced charges in the Whangārei District Court on Wednesday relating to the cultivation of cannabis.
The 38-year-old faces additional charges, unrelated to the investigation, including failing to stop and the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.
"The cultivation, manufacture, supply and distribution of controlled drugs continues to be a major driver in all serious crimes within our communities and police will continue to use our available resources to hold those who choose to engage in these activities to account," Crawford stressed.
"Police continue to ask anyone who sees anything suspicious in nature or anything of concern to please contact us immediately."
Anyone with information about suspected money laundering and drug dealing in their community is urged to contact police on 105, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
