POLICE have seized more than 100 cannabis plants and arrested six people during raids across the northern suburbs.

The raids at 10 properties in Broadview, Blair Athol, Para Vista, Prospect, Ingle Farm and Valley View also uncovered 4.6kg of dried cannabis.

Police said the electricity supply at nine of the 10 properties - some of them unoccupied - had been tampered with and bypassed.

Five men and one woman were arrested over the raids, which police said were not linked.

media_camera Drugs and growing lights can be seen through a window at a property at Prospect. Picture: Campbell Brodie media_camera Police take evidence and samples of the drugs found at a Clearview house. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Holden Hill LSA Chief Inspector Guy Buckley said the seizures were substantial, but was unable to put a value on the cannabis.

“Over the 10 houses to get 106 plants — and the plants range from seedlings to well over one metre in height — was substantial and the hydroponic set-ups were sophisticated too,” he said.

“Any drugs that we can get off the street is of key value to us and importance to the safety of the community.”

Chief-Insp Buckley said growing cannabis hydroponically and bypassing electricity were dangerous practices.

He said property owners who suspected suspicious activity should contact police.

“If you are going to grow this stuff then you could be targeted by other people and we know that home invasions are associated with growing activities,” he said.

media_camera Police carry out lighting equipment used to grow drugs at a Clearview house. Picture: Campbell Brodie

“Interfering with the electricity is a dangerous practice. Not only is tampering with electricity unsafe, but those involved in drug growing and dealing are exposed to risks due to the criminal nature of their actions.

“Aside from the obvious wider health and social concerns associated with drug use, having any involvement with illicit drugs places you at risk of being targeted by criminals who are intent on engaging in drug ‘rip-offs’ and will use violence to do so.”

Anyone with information about the growing, sale or supply of cannabis can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at the website.