A Vietnamese national is in custody after a drug raid netted more than 250 cannabis plants in south Portland at the weekend.
Portland and Hamilton police detectives raided a south Portland property about 7.30pm on Saturday, allegedly uncovering a “very sophisticated” growing network and plants worth nearly half a million dollars.
Detective Senior Constable Jarrod Anderson, of the Portland police crime investigation unit, said a search of the property uncovered more than 250 cannabis plants.
The property was unfurnished, included an electrical bypass system and was used solely as a grow house, the detective said.
“This was a very sophisticated, commercial set up,” he said.
A 37-year-old Vietnamese national was arrested at the property.
He has since been interviewed and charged with drug offences, including trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Detective Senior Constable Anderson said the accused man was residing in Australia illegally.