Bail granted for man charged with cultivating cannabis
A man charged with cultivating cannabis after police uncovered an extensive hydroponic set-up in Heckenberg will face court again in August after being granted bail.
Liverpool
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A man accused of cultivating cannabis after police uncovered an extensive hydroponic set-up inside a Heckenberg house, where 168 cannabis plants were seized, has been granted bail.
Chi Thanh Nhan Phan appeared before Liverpool Local Court today charged with enhanced indoor cultivation plant for commercial purpose.
Detectives from Strike Force Salzburger arrested him in Heckenberg yesterday following investigations into an alleged international money-laundering syndicate.
His Legal Aid representative made a bail application before Magistrate Fiona McCarron on Thursday.
The court heard Mr Phan, 55, a part-time tiler who resided in St Johns Park with his partner and two children aged seven and 12, had lived in Australia for 36 years and had a limited criminal history.
The release application was opposed by the police prosecutor, who said there were “unacceptable” risks, including a failure to attend court.
Magistrate McCarron said police surveillance allegedly captured Mr Phan coming from the Heckenberg property, but he initially denied this.
However, Magistrate McCarron noted the defendant “made some admissions that he attends every two to three days and waters the plants at the behest of a man he met at a cafe” during a police interview.
She also noted a prior entry for a “like offence”, for which he served 250 hours of community service.
She said if Mr Phan was convicted, he would “no doubt serve a custodial sentence”, adding the prosecution’s case was strong.
However, Magistrate McCarron was satisfied the risks outlined by the prosecution if Mr Phan were to be released could be mitigated with strict bail conditions.
Mr Phan was required to surrender his passport, report daily to Fairfield police station and abide by a curfew. His wife was also required to post a $1000 surety.
The matter was adjourned to August 5 at Liverpool Local Court.
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