Victoria Police have seized and destroyed more than $26 million worth of illegal cannabis plants in regional Victoria.
The Major Drug Squad uncovered the haul of more than 6,000 plants in a sophisticated warehouse set-up in the Gippsland town of Leongatha South on Tuesday.
Four men and one woman were arrested at the scene, with police describing the finding as the largest haul in recent times.
"It is one of the bigger ones we have seen," Major Drug Squad Detective Acting Inspector Leemara Fairgrieve said.
"It took three days and a considerable amount of effort for the members to actually dismantle and remove all of the plants.
"A very dirty and smelly job."
Police said a sophisticated hydroponic set-up was found at the property, including several commercial-sized hot houses.
Police believed the property was a rental, but had not spoken with the owners of the property.
Police say the cannabis haul is one of the largest in Victoria in recent times (Supplied: Victoria Police)
The plants seized ranged from seedlings to mature plants, with the total haul weighing 1.7 tonnes.
"There were plants everywhere," Detective Acting Inspector Fairgrieve said.
"Very well coordinated and organised. It was very methodical, with all the structures, the water, the electricity and [with] the dams on the side."
Victoria Police estimate the 6,525 plants would have a street value of more than $26 million.
The plants were burned at the scene.
More than 15 police were involved in the clean-up process.
Fire authorities were also involved in clearing up the burnt plants because the smoke was considered hazardous.
Police removed the plants and burned them in an open area at the property in Leongatha. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
Five Vietnamese nationals were arrested and charged with cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
"Their visa status is being reviewed and I know the investigators are working with the ABF [Australian Border Force) in and around their visa status," Detective Acting Inspector Fairgrieve said.
"One may have a visa that has expired."
Police said they believed two of the people involved were a couple.
They have been remanded to front the Latrobe Magistrates' Court in March.
The investigation is ongoing and police are urging the public to come forward if they have any information.