Brantford's Street Crime Unit has busted a marijuana grow op after searching a building on Market Street in the city's downtown core.

Police say about 1,344 plants at various stages of growth were seized, with an approximate street value of $1.3 million.

The grow op was spread across seven vacant residential units in the mixed use building, and changes had apparently been made to the building's electrical system, which will now need to be repaired and inspected.

Police executed the search warrant after receiving a call complaining of a water leak from a tenant, one of the main floor businesses, around 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Brantford Police Insp. Drew Bielawski says "The tenant of the apartment wasn't able to find anybody. He was able to force his way in an emergent situation to check a leaking water and found a marijuana grow operation."

No charges have been laid, and police are continuing to investigate to try to find the person or people responsible for the grow op.

Bielawski says "We don't know who the landlord is but certainly it's a starting point in the investigation that is being followed up on."

Nearby residents say they're surprised the operation was located in such a busy area, and they're concerned.

Area resident Darryl Turkey says "I've got family here, young granddaughter that we always bring uptown to Harmony Square and all that that. So you're always worried about what's going on in your area and you want to investigate and  make sure it's not going to be harmful."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or call Crime Stoppers.