Van Moui Nguyen jailed over million dollar hydroponic cannabis operation at Muswellbrook home

A court has heard a Vietnamese national was exploited to watch over a million dollar hydroponic cannabis operation set up in an Upper Hunter home.

May 15, 2024 – Cannabis discovered in a raid on a home in Muswellbrook. Credit: NSW Police

A court has heard a Vietnamese national was exploited as a crop sitter to watch over a million dollar hydroponic cannabis operation set up at a home in the NSW Upper Hunter region.

Van Moui Nguyen, 56, was struggling financially and had trouble finding employment when he was approached to take care of the illegal plants, with the elaborate set-up at the Muswellbrook residence.

Police discovered a sophisticated enhanced hydroponic set up inside the Madringa Ave home incorporating artificial lighting and watering systems.

Detectives raided the premises on May 15 last year and seized a total of 188 plants, along with 18.4kg of dried cannabis in vacuum-sealed bags, with an estimated potential street value of more than one million dollars.

Nguyen pleaded guilty to knowingly taking part in the cultivation of a commercial quantity of cannabis, and a charge of supplying cannabis was taken into account on sentencing.

Inside the home at Muswellbrook. Credit: NSW Police

In Newcastle District Court on Friday it was heard the 56-year-old had been struggling when he came to Australia five years ago and found himself unemployed and in financial difficulty after having borrowed money from loan sharks.

The court was told he knew it was illegal but “felt scared” and unable to get out of the situation because he needed money and a place to stay.

There was an elaborate set-up at the Upper Hunter home. Credit: NSW Police

There were 188 plants discovered inside the home. Credit: NSW Police

The house in Muswellbrook allowed him somewhere to stay, with a mattress set up on the floor of one of the rooms, while he was also being paid to crop sit.

Judge Roy Ellis said it was clear Nguyen had been taken advantage of, with those who were financing the operation not being found.

The court heard the 56-year-old had no prior criminal history either overseas or in Australia and that he had accepted full responsibility for his conduct, with regret and remorse.

Nguyen was sentenced to two years jail with a non-parole period of 12 months.

With time served it means he will be eligible for release next week.