Trent Nathan Laing in court for possessing and producing drugs

The owner of two Sunshine Coast pubs and a string of bottle shops was caught with a stash of drugs as well as a set up to grow his own cannabis when police visited his home.

Trent Nathan Laing leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A Sunshine Coast hotel boss was caught red-handed by cops possessing a range of drugs as well as a set up to grow his own cannabis.

Trent Nathan Laing, 47, appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 2 and pleaded guilty to seven charges including producing and possessing drugs.

Police prosecutor Stu Lydford told the court Laing had been found in possession of 300g of cannabis, magic mushrooms and LSD tabs as well as a hydroponic set up to grow cannabis plants on March 12.

Defence barrister Peter Slipper told the court the production of the drug had no commercial intent behind it.

He said the warrant had not been against his client personally but another person on his property at the time, leading police to the discovery.

Trent Nathan Laing leaves Maroochydore Court House. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The court heard Laing owns currently two hotels including the Royal George Hotel in Nambour as well as a number of bottle shops.

Mr Slipper said he is also a member of the Nambour Chamber of Commerce.

He told the court one of Laing’s former staff members had stolen a substantial amount of money from him, causing financial issues, and Laing resorted to cannabis as a form of medication.

Mr Slipper said Laing has obtained a prescription for medical cannabis since he was charged.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist fined him $1200 and a conviction was recorded.

Laing pleaded guilty to one count of producing drugs, three of possessing drugs, one of possessing anything used in connection of a drug crime, one of possessing drug utensils and one of possessing firecrackers.

Originally published as Trent Nathan Laing in court for possessing and producing drugs