The alleged Anna Bay “grow house” with 25 plants and 36kg of leaf inside

Neighbours became concerned when they couldn’t see any activity inside the Anna Bay rental property for days despite the lights continuously being on. Police will allege they discovered why when they walked inside.

Police say they have uncovered a cannabis “grow house” in Anna Bay where they allegedly seized 25 plants and more than 36kg of leaf.

Port Stephens-Hunter detectives and officers from the district’s proactive crime team arrived at the Lantry Place rental property on Saturday afternoon after neighbours reported their suspicions to police.

Inside, police allegedly found the 25 plants still growing as well as the large amount of cannabis leaf which was being dried and prepared for sale.

Police have allegedly seized 25 plants and more than 36kg of drying leaf in a cannabis "grow house" at Anna Bay.

Electricity providers were called in to disconnect power alleged being diverted to the house while officers worked to dismantle what they allege was a “grow house” – a house rented out specifically to grow cannabis.

It took several hours for police to retrieve the cannabis as well as 16 heat lamps, air purifiers and other objects allegedly used to grow the drugs.

Police have praised alert neighbours, who reported their concerns about the house to authorities, including lights being on all the time despite no one appearing to be home.

Police have allegedly seized 25 plants and more than 36kg of drying leaf in a cannabis "grow house" at Anna Bay.

On Monday, Fingal Bay man Cory Letherbarrow walked into Raymond Terrace police station and was formally arrested.

The 45-year-old was later charged with supplying a commercial quantity of cannabis, cultivating a prohibited drug, possessing a prohibited drug and a charge relating to stealing electricity.

Letherbarrow briefly faced Raymond Terrace Local Court where he was refused bail to reappear on May 9.