More than 1500 cannabis plants found hidden in Auckland rental properties

Police say they have seized more than a tonne of cannabis plants hidden in a group of homes in suburban Auckland.

Inspector Mohammed Atiq said they found more than 1500 plants in 17 unoccupied properties rented by Vietnamese nationals.

Atiq said police were continuing to come across cannabis operations in suburban homes in the city.

Atiq urged landlords to carry out basic checks on prospective tenants and to look out for potential alarm bells like renters insisting on paying in cash, or offering more money to avoid inspections.