SAGINAW, Mich. -- Officers from the Bay Area Narcotics Unit reportedly thwarted the harvest of more than $600,000 worth of marijuana plants found growing in various locations in Arenac, Bay, Gladwin, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties.

Police said the operation also identified 12 suspected marijuana growers and currently BAYANET has recovered more than 500 plants in six counties.

Operation Help Eliminate Marijuana Plants began on Aug. 22 as officers received tips on some of the locations of growing operations.

A Michigan State Police aircraft was also used to pinpoint the locations on the ground of large deposits of marijuana plants.

The investigation is still on-going and anyone with information can contact BAYANET at 989-790-6581.

Wednesday’s raid was made possible in part by assistance from more than 14 police departments.