A large quantity of maturing cannabis has been seized by police in a bush area off Kopuapounamu Rd near Te Araroa, in what they describe as a substantial drug-growing operation.
More than 900 cannabis plants were taken from the area on Saturday and Sunday.
"Police were conducting inquiries in the Te Araroa area when they located the substantial commercial cannabis operation," said Detective Sergeant Kevin Ford.
"Two houses at Te Araroa were searched and a number of people were spoken to. No arrests have been made as yet."
Ford said the operation was found in a bush area. "Our inquiries are ongoing. We believe the cannabis, once harvested, would have been destined for the Gisborne-East Coast market."
