Cannabis farm in south Belfast 'powered by street lighting'
A large cannabis farm raided by police in south Belfast on Saturday was illegally powered by street lighting, a local representative has said.
Paula Bradshaw, Alliance Party, said two houses had been secretly knocked into one to extend the farm across two floors at Broadway.
Ms Bradshaw, director of the Greater Village Regeneration Trust, said it had been "a sophisticated operation".
"We're delighted police have dismantled this drugs factory," she said.
Ms Bradshaw said Sunday's police raid followed a tip-off from the public after reports of an unusual smell in the area.
More than 400 cannabis plants were seized and the police had to bring in a number of large skips to take them away.
Police said private landlords should check their properties regularly.
Detectives asked people to look out for "tell-tale signs" such as blacked-out windows, pungent smells and people visiting the house once or twice a day, then leaving.