Police busted a multi-million dollar Westport cannabis growing syndicate today.
Detective Inspector John Winter said search warrants were executed in an operation that ended a syndicate "supplying significant quantities of cannabis into the supply chain".
Despite a rise in methamphetamine use, cannabis was still the most prevalent illicit drug available in the area, he said.
The syndicate involved in the bust had indoor and outdoor cultivation.
It had been in place for "some time" and had "a turnover in the millions of dollars", he said.
The focus on major cannabis growers provides the "potential to unlock a wider range of criminal offending".
Those arrested will appear in Westport District Court today (2.15pm).
