Dung Van Chu charged with growing cannabis at Engadine home

A southwest Sydney man allegedly grew hundreds of cannabis plants worth almost $900,000 with stolen electricity in a large, elaborate hydroponic house in Sydney’s south.

Police have charged a Canley Vale man who allegedly grew hundreds of cannabis plants worth almost $900,000.

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A southwest Sydney man allegedly grew hundreds of cannabis plants worth almost $900,000 with stolen electricity in a large, elaborate hydroponic house in Sydney’s south.

Dung Van Chu, 57, did not apply for bail at Sutherland Local Court during his first appearance on charges of cultivating a large commercial quantity of cannabis, stealing electricity without authority and illegal drug supply after an evening raid at an Engadine home on Wednesday.

The Canley Vale man was arrested at the Kingswood Rd home at 8.15pm as Redfern Region Enforcement Squad officers descended on the home following an investigation into cannabis cultivation in the Sutherland Shire.

Police allegedly uncovered 303 cannabis plants worth $897,000 in a large hydroponic set-up and 500g of cannabis head at the home.

The alleged cannabis cultivation is said to have taken place at the Engadine home between March 1 and April 3.

Legal Aid solicitor Nicholas Breen did not apply for bail on Chu’s behalf and it was formally refused by Magistrate Hugh Donnelly.

“There will be no release application as his family is trying to arrange private representation for him,” Mr Breen told the court.

Chu will return to Sutherland Local Court via audiovisual link on April 15 for a potential release application.