KEY POINTS:
Gisborne police found about 4300 cannabis plants in a maize field.
The 50-year-old Patutahi man has been charged with cultivating cannabis, unlawfully possessing a firearm and unlawfully possessing ammunition.
Ten officers were involved in yesterday's raid. The man, who owned the property, was arrested today.
Detective Eric Hunter said the man's cannabis crops ranged in maturity, from full-grown to seedlings awaiting planting. Police also found a number of harvested plants.
The total value of the bust, had all the seized plants reached maturity, was more than $500,000.
"I guess in terms of its sheer size, it was a sophisticated operation," he said.
Police had burned all the plants.
The raid was part of a larger operation and investigations were continuing, Mr Hunter said.
- NZPA
