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Police were shocked when they raided a quiet Hamilton cul-de-sac and discovered cannabis cultivation in every house.
Acting Detective Sergeant Graham Pitkethley, of the Waikato Crime Control Unit, that although there were only three homes on the street in suburban Hillcrest, it was unusual "that you get something at every house".
"We don't come across that too often ... so it was a surprise," he told the Waikato Times.
Mr Pitkethley said "a sophisticated indoor hydroponics operation" with more than 40 cannabis plants was found in the first property.
The occupants, three men and one woman, now face cultivating cannabis and possession-for-supply charges.
One of the men was also connected to a neighbouring property and faces additional charges for 10 cannabis plants found there.
Cannabis seedlings were found growing outside the third property. A woman now faces several charges, including possession of cannabis for supply.
All five people are expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this week.
- NZPA
