Duong Thi Tuyet, Kim Long Do arrested at alleged marijuana operation at Garran

Detectives have swooped on an allegedly sophisticated marijuana growing operation during a covert operation in Canberra, seizing up to 150 plants and arresting two people.

Duong Thi Tuyet and Kim Long Do were arrested on Monday at an alleged marijuana grow operation in Garran. Picture: File

Two people have been arrested in what police allege is a sophisticated “cannabis lab” in Canberra.

Duong Thi Tuyet, 53, and Kim Long Do, 51, were arrested on Monday after ACT Policing swooped on the alleged marijuana grow operation in Garran.

The pair were charged with cultivating a trafficable quantity of cannabis and both applied for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police facts tendered to court say detectives were scoping out an address in Garran about 5.30pm on Monday.

Almost an hour later, police observed Do walk down the driveway and return to the home before a Toyota sedan reversed from the property.

Officers swooped on the car and the vehicle and found Tuyet and Do inside.

The pair applied for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Court documents allege Tuyet told police “I have never been to this house before” and said she came to garden at the home for cash. Do agreed.

A phone was seized from the pair and after it was unlocked detectives found a security camera app, which showed the moment police arrived at the home that evening.

Police allege when they entered the Garran home they found 150 marijuana plants across four rooms with heat lamps, irrigation pipes and pumps, fans and industrial filters.

Court documents allege there was no gardening equipment found in the car.

Defence lawyer Ketinia McGowan pushed for Tuyet’s conditional release, conceding the Gungahlin woman had no family ties to the ACT.

Up to 150 plants were allegedly seized during the operation. Picture: File

Ms McGowan said the handy woman, who works odd jobs including cleaning and gardening, could abide by strict conditions.

Prosecutor Jack Hill alleged a sophisticated “cannabis lab” with up to 150 plants was uncovered with harvesting equipment.

Mr Hill said police had concerns Tuyet could abscond due to her being on a bridging visa to Australia with only minor links to the territory.

The court heard the home proposed for Tuyet’s bail in Gungahlin was being searched by police at time of publishing.

Mr Hill said due to the investigation being in its infancy there was a real risk Tuyet could flee the jurisdiction and interfere with police inquiries.

Chief magistrate Lorraine Walker agreed, plainly saying Tuyet’s reason of visiting the property for a gardening job didn’t hold much water.

Tuyet and Do both had their bail applications refused.

Their matters were adjourned to later dates.