An illegal immigrant has been sentenced to three and a half years jail for his role in growing 111 cannabis plants in an Ardeer house.
Nam Son Nguyen, of Maidstone, pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis, theft and trafficking a drug of dependence.
The County Court heard last month that Nguyen, who had overstayed his visa since May, 2011, was tracked by Australian Crime Commission investigators over almost five months.
The ACC monitored more than 11,550 phone intercepts between Nguyen and eight associates between October 20, 2014 and March 12 this year.
A police search of an Ardeer house in March revealed three rooms set up for the cultivation of cannabis.
Co-accused “crop sitter” An Quoc Chu was using the other room as a bedroom.
A botanist confirmed to police there were 111 plants growing in the house, and electricity valued at $11,395.45 was stolen via a bypass.
Judge John Carmody said Nguyen’s imprisonment for the “sophisticated operation” could result in his deportation.
“That matter is an administrative factor outside my control, and while noting the potential impact deportation will have on you and your family, it is not a factor in your favour,” he said.
“You have offended while being an illegal immigrant.”
Nguyen will be eligible for parole in two and a half years minus 195 days already served.
Chu, who was recruited to water and feed the plants for $500 a week with an extra $3000 paid at the end of each crop, was sentenced to 12 months’ jail.
