Police uncover more than 800 cannabis plants in Temuka drug bust

Police said the plants ranged in size and were well maintained and cared for. Photo / NZ Police

A sophisticated hydroponic cannabis-growing operation has been uncovered by police, with more than 800 plants found and a shipping container seized.

Timaru Police executed a search warrant at a King St, Temuka property yesterday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Quested said the plants range in size from seedlings to fully mature plants.

He said the plants were well maintained and cared for.

"We also found about 2kg of harvested cannabis head, some of which was in plastic snap lock bags and some was drying.

Timaru Police found the sophisticated hydroponic cannabis growing operation at a Temuka property. Photo / NZ Police

"This was a very good operation and I would expect this seizure to put a significant dent in the local cannabis market," he said.

Police were back at the property today dismantling and seizing the equipment used to grow the cannabis.

"Police take drug crime seriously and will take positive action against those people involved to hold them accountable," Quested said.

As part of the same operation a shipping container was seized from another property outside Temuka.

The container held a further 40 cannabis plants.

A Temuka man has been arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis and possession of cannabis for supply.