Tip-off leads police to 'sophisticated' $3m West Auckland cannabis operation

The informant passed on information to Crimestoppers and as a result, police carried out four search warrants at West Auckland addresses. Photo / File

A call from a member of the public led police to uncover a sophisticated, large-scale commercial cannabis operation in West Auckland.

The informant passed on information to Crimestoppers and as a result, police carried out four search warrants at West Auckland addresses.

Over $100,000 cash and 160 mature cannabis plants - a number of which had been harvested and ready for sale - were seized.

Police believe by seizing the cannabis they have prevented estimated street sales of approximately $3 million.

Two West Auckland men have been charged with cultivating cannabis and appeared in the Waitakere District Court today.

"Information provided via the Crimestoppers information line is very valuable to police and in this case has led to the significant disruption of cannabis supply in West Auckland," said Detective Sergeant Kelly Farrant.

"Preventing this type of criminal activity is a real win for police and the community and we would like to thank the public for their assistance."