Two grandmothers have been arrested accused of running a huge marijuana growing operation in California.

Aleen Lam, 72, and Virginia Chan Pon, 65, were caught after neighbours called police to report a burglary in San Mateo County.

When officers arrived they found 800 marijuana plants, thousands in cash and a bypass that allowed the women to tap into a power line to steal electricity.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said: "This has not happened in the 34 years that I've been here."

Lam and Pon have pleaded not guilty to cultivation of marijuana, maintaining a house for the sale of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and unlawful theft of electricity.

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