Vietnamese growers sentenced after being caught with $30m cannabis crop at Ellangowan in northern NSW
A group of migrant Vietnamese workers busted tending a $30m cannabis crop in rural northern NSW were watched by police for months before their arrest, a court has heard.
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A group of migrant Vietnamese workers busted tending a $30m cannabis crop in rural northern NSW were watched by police for months before their arrest, a court has heard.
Tien Van Hoang, 45, Huu Lam Luong, 51, and brothers Nam Ha Pham, 54, and Henry Pham, 51, faced Lismore District Court on Thursday for sentencing.
It comes after the four previously pleaded guilty to participating in a criminal group and knowingly taking part in cultivating more than a large commercial quantity of a prohibited plant.
Police uncovered thousands of plants at Ellangowan, near New South Wales’ “beef capital” – Casino – on November 4, 2022.
Investigators found and seized more than 8300 cannabis plants with an estimated potential street value of $30 million.
On Thursday Judge Jonathan Priestley said each of the accused had spent time in jail and had no prior criminal history.
The court heard bushland on the site was cleared in preparation for green houses to be erected.
When police raided the property, the cannabis plants were at various stages of growth – with many ready for harvesting, Judge Priestley said.
Police hid surveillance cameras on the site in March 2022 which filmed the operation, the court heard.
On Thursday Judge Priestley said while the “large hydroponic operation” was sophisticated by being organised, funded and well-built, the offenders behaviour was unsophisticated as they used personal information to offend.
“They acted with a lack of sophistication using their own names,” he said.
“As the plants grew (the offenders) then became aware what they were doing was illegal.”
Judge Priestley said each man offended while they were in company, for financial gain, visitng the site for different periods of time.
Judge Priestley said police found Henry Pham with receipts for materials needed for the operation.
Henry told officers his role was to collect a truck from Sydney and use it to make deliveries, the court heard.
The court heard he did not receive an agreed $1500 payment for his services.
Henry Pham had extreme depression and anxiety when he offended and there was a low chance of reoffending, the court heard.
Henry spent 22 days in custody and was sentenced to an intensive corrections order for three years. He must continue with gambling counselling.
Judge Priestley said Henry’s brother, Nam, was involved in the operation, undertaking maintenance work and carrying cannabis.
Nam used his personal details to hire transport, the court heard.
Judge Priestley said Nam was not on a monthly wage – like the others – and was supposed to receive $1500, but was not paid.
“(Nam) has experienced great regret and did not know the plant was cannabis for the first six months,” the court heard.
“(Nam) lost his job after covid and suffered from anxiety. His mental health was precarious at the time of offending, making him vulnerable.”
Judge Priestley said since then, Nam had been stable and was willing to engage in counselling.
The court heard Nam grew up in a violent household, his mother is dependent on him and he is working full-time in the clothing industry and has completed an online drug course.
The court heard Nam spent three months in custody and was sentenced to a two-year and seven-month intensive corrections order. He must get treatment from a doctor for anxiety and depression.
Judge Priestley said Henry’s brother-in-law, Huu Lam Luong, he was not paid an agreed $10,500 for his work.
Luong spent two and a half months in custody.
He was sentenced to an intensive corrections order for three years. He must also see a councillor.
Judge Priestley said Tien Van Hoang used personal details to hire transport. He put fertiliser on the property, carried pipes and cannabis.
Hoang, who has been in custody since the arrest, was also caught discussing “vegetables” on the phone, the court heard.
Judge Priestley said Hoang was supposed to be paid $3000 per month, which was not honoured.
“ (Hoang) is a labourer and did the lower-tier work of the operation,” he said.
“ (Hoang) thought it was legitimate work until he realised it was cannabis,” he said.
The court heard Hoang was looking for other jobs once he found out he engaging in illegal work.
“He felt stuck and became involved unknowingly,” Judge Priestley said.
Judge Priestley sentenced Hoang to jail for three years and nine months with a two-year non-parole period. He is eligible for parole in November.
This comes as the fifth offender Duong Ba Le was sentenced in May to three years and nine months in custody with a two-year non-parole period. He will be eligible for parole in November.
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