The RCMP have busted a massive marijuana grow-op in Hope, B.C., that included 11 greenhouses powered by enough generators to supply electricity to several family dwellings.

Police say they seized nearly 6,500 plants, equal to a half a ton of pot, when the rural property was raided on June 8.

Six powerful diesel generators were also seized and the investigation led police to a nursery business in Surrey, where another six generators were found.

"There's been a bit of an upswing in the usage of high-capacity diesel generators," said RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Annie Linteau. "These individuals will do whatever they can to go undetected and will always try and find new ways that they can conduct their activities without being caught."

Linteau said the generators could have powered a small subdivision.

RCMP will now contact the provincial government to do an environment assessment of the area out of concerns that diesel could have spilled and contaminated local water sources.

Four people have been arrested and another is being sought, with all five suspects expected to face drug charges.

Fourteen dogs were also located on the property and the SPCA has taken 13 of the dogs into their care, with one being returned to its owner.

With files from The Canadian Press