Keilor Downs dad Khoa Le jailed for running cannabis growing operation at his hydroponic store
A Keilor Downs dad who ran a “modern and sophisticated” cannabis growing operation under the cover of his legitimate hydroponic business claimed the almost 50kg haul of seized weed was for personal use.
North West
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A Keilor Downs dad ran a “modern and sophisticated” cannabis growing operation under the cover of a legitimate hydroponic store, a court has heard.
Khoa Le, 53, was sentenced at the County Court on April 24 to a minimum three years’ jail after pleading guilty to charges including cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Police seized 31 cannabis plants weighing 45kg, and loose cannabis weighing 2.2kg after raiding Le’s home on July 11 last year.
Le’s decked out garage was fitted with ultraviolet heat lamps, insulation, ventilation, charcoal air filters and an electrical bypass.
Investigators seized Le’s phone which contained evidence the convicted drug dealer had planned to sell the cannabis.
Police then raided Le’s hydroponic shop and seized more than 2kg of cannabis, ammunition, four tasers, batons and a stolen Jeep Cherokee.
Le told police the cannabis was for himself.
The court heard Le had multiple priors including two jail stints for peddling heroin, and a recklessly causing serious injury conviction.
Le opened his hydroponic store in 2016 but hit hard times after some initial success, the court heard.
Judge Claire Quin said Le was “responsible for the hydroponic system”
”Your role was more than that of a sitter,” she said.
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“Those minded to engage in illegal activities with drugs, particularly on such a scale, should be aware they will be punished.
“It’s relevant to consider the grave harms inflicted on members of the community by cultivation of cannabis through modern and sophisticated techniques.”
Le – who had spent days in 288 custody – was jailed for a maximum five years and five months.