Former cop pleads guilty to growing cannabis in Wairarapa. (File photo)

A cannabis-growing operation was found in a shed at the property owned by a former Wairarapa police officer.

A search by police in June at a Masterton property that was rented out found 18 plants in different stages of growing in a shed behind the house.

The former officer, whose name is suppressed, pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court on Monday to cannabis cultivation.

A man, 43, who lived at the rented property has also pleaded guilty.

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Police prosecutor Kevin Shaw said police found a tent in the shed used as a grow space with several 80cm plants inside. Lights and fertiliser were also found.

Nine other smaller plants that had been grown from cuttings were in a separate area.

A search of the the former officer's home found dried cannabis.

The man said it was the first time he had tried to grow it and it was used to alleviate stress.

The former officer's lawyer, Jock Blathwayt, said he would be asking for a discharge without conviction.

Judge Chris Tuohy remanded them both on bail until September for sentencing.