More than 300 cannabis plants were found during the operation.
Photo: Supplied / Police

Northland police have busted a large-scale indoor cannabis growing operation in central Whangārei.

Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Crawford, of the Northland CIB, said officers seized more than 300 plants and arrested two men after executing a search warrant at a commercial building in the city centre.

Both men, aged 36 and 38, were charged with cultivating cannabis, while the 38-year-old was also charged with failing to stop and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle in an unrelated incident.

Crawford said the men were arrested at the property without incident.

Specialist police, including officers from the National Organised Crime Group, were involved in the investigation and Tuesday’s search.

Police say more than 300 cannabis plants were found growing under lights in a commercial building in Whangārei’s city centre.
Photo: Supplied / Police

The inquiry was continuing with further arrests and charges possible.

Crawford said the cultivation, manufacture, supply and distribution of controlled drugs was a major driver of serious crime.

“Police ask anyone who sees anything suspicious in nature or anything of concern to please contact us immediately.”

Court records show Anh Tuan Nguyen, 36, of Whangārei, was charged with cultivating cannabis, while Nghia Dinh Tran, of Auckland’s Flat Bush, was charged with cultivating cannabis, failing to stop for police, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

The plants were ready for harvesting when the building was raided.
Photo: Supplied / Police

Both were remanded in custody when they appeared in the Whangārei District Court on Wednesday.

They were due back in court on 24 April for a bail application.

Police said anyone with information about suspected money laundering or drug dealing could be passed to police by calling 105 or Crime Stoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.