Timothy Graeme Searles jailed for hydroponic cannabis set-up in the shed of his Metford home

It was an elaborate but not quite “sophisticated” set-up at a Maitland house where a man grew more than an estimated $200,000 worth of cannabis in his backyard shed.

Timothy Searles was jailed in Newcastle District Court on Tuesday. Supplied Amy Ziniak

A court has heard a Maitland man was the “principal” in an elaborate hydroponic set-up used to grow more than an estimated $200,000 worth of cannabis in his backyard shed.

In Newcastle District Court on Tuesday Timothy Graeme Searles was referred to as “not a labourer” but someone who had an “economic stake” in the drug business, although was not part of an ongoing and sophisticated network.

His plans to get rich quick, indicated by messages he sent to clients including “I earn a yearly salary in 12 weeks”, were sensationally foiled when detectives swooped on his Metford property on December 12, 2023.

Officers busted him with 50 cannabis plants in the backyard shed as well as plenty of equipment including 25 hydroponic lights, lights bulbs and shades, electric fans, planter pots and climate controller air-conditioner.

The court heard Searles who was already on a community correction order (CCO) for growing cannabis when he was nabbed by police, had cannabis leaf all throughout the house, which was found in the kitchen, the living area, in drawers, and even in the freezer.

Police found 50 cannabis plants as well as cannabis leaf at his Metford home. Picture: iStock/Bastiaan Slabbers

Police also uncovered illegal green tree pythons at the Maitland home. Istock.

As well, 129 cannabis seeds were uncovered within the home and several containers of ammunition in a storeroom.

Officers also seized illegal ‘bunga-style’ fireworks and discovered four green tree pythons – a protected native animal in Australia – living in a glass case in the living room.

Searles pleaded guilty to charges of cultivating a prohibited plant, supplying cannabis leaf and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He also admitted his guilt to drug possession of cannabis seeds, a prescribed restricted substance, namely a steroid agent anastrozole and testosterone, as well as charges of diverting electricity without authority, possess ammunition, dealing with a protected animal and handling an explosive without authorisation.

Judge Ian Bourke said in court from reports Searles no longer intended to grow cannabis but whether he could stick to that, “time will tell”.

He was sentenced to three years and two months jail with a non-parole period of one year and 10 months.

With time already served Searles could be out on parole in October.