Clarence Valley’s Raymond Franklin, 54, bailed after police seize drugs, fireworks and ammunition

A northern NSW farmer has been granted bail to tend to his flock rather than his alleged crop as he stands accused of being busted with close to 500 cannabis plants, illegal fireworks and ammo.

A northern NSW farmer stands accused of possessing close to 500 cannabis plants, illegal fireworks and ammo.

A northern NSW farmer has been granted bail to tend to his flock rather than his alleged crop as he stands accused of being busted with close to 500 cannabis plants, illegal fireworks and ammo.

Despite police allegedly uncovering the illicit haul, 54-year-old Raymond Bernard Franklin was released to take care of his pride and joy – 100 head of cattle and ten horses at his Clarence Valley farm.

The livestock holder has been charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of cannabis, supply a commercial quantity of cannabis, possess ammunition without holding a license or permit and handle explosives/precursor without a license.

Police prosecutor Ms Banks argued against granting bail and told the court police had allegedly found “an organised and sophisticated system” on the Franklin Rd, Calamia property.

NSW Police raided the Clarence Valley property. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“There were a significant amount of drugs (allegedly) being cultivated there and being cultivated for a reason of (alleged) connections to an organised network,” she said.

The court heard Franklin had a criminal history of drug supply dating back to 2017.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton told the court “The defendant does have a criminal history but there’s been nothing significant for many years”.

After hearing Franklin’s defence lawyer Ms Lu raise that no one else could take care of his livestock and against the prosecution’s push for further custody, Ms Hamilton granted him bail on Tuesday at Coffs Harbour local court.

The strict bail conditions include daily reporting to Grafton police station, surrendering his passport, not entering points of international departures and a bail surety of $20,000.

He returns to Coffs Harbour court on April 15.

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Originally published as Clarence Valley’s Raymond Franklin, 54, bailed after police seize drugs, fireworks and ammunition