Helicopter Covering Bike Race Exposes Marijuana Grow Operation, Cops Move In

WARNING: If you hear a chopper outside covering a massive bike race near your house, TAKE THE WEED PLANTS OFF THE ROOF!!!

That's the lesson some poor marijuana enthusiast in Spain learned the hard way ... when his rooftop weed farm was exposed on live TV.

It all went down during the Vuelta a Espana race on Saturday ... when a TV crew helicopter was following the cyclists as they raced through Barcelona.

At one point, you can see a rooftop with a BUNCH of green plants ... and someone decided to snitch to the cops that it looks like pot.

Police say they acted on the tips, raided the building and ultimately seized 40 PLANTS!!!

Despite the score, cops say they have not made any arrests but they're investigating.

In Spain, it's legal to have weed for personal use -- but it's been outlawed for commercial purposes.