Illegal in court on cannabis plants charge

Jan 31 2008 by Wendy Horton, South Wales Echo

AN ILLEGAL immigrant has appeared in court charged in connection with maintaining a cannabis factory.

Police discovered 265 mature cannabis plants and a large amount of hydroponics equipment when they executed a warrant at a house in Station Road, Bargoed, on Monday.

The plants were found in four rooms at the three-storey property and have an estimated street value of around £30,000.

However, police say through cultivation the cannabis could have been worth £120,000 each year.

Chien Quang Nguyen, a Vietnamese, appeared at Caerphilly Magistrates’ Court charged with the cultivation of cannabis.

Speaking through interpreter Chau Huang, Nguyen was told that his case was so serious it could only be dealt with at a higher court.

No application was made for bail and Nguyen was sent to a detention centre until February 22 when he will appear before Newport Crown Court. The court heard the immigration authorities had served papers for deportation.

Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 if you suspect cannabis cultivation at a property.