A MAN arrested after police uncovered a covert drug operation at Terramungamine is expected to be committed to district court next month.
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Lee Bourke was represented by a barrister when he appeared in Dubbo Local Court on charges of cultivating a commercial quantity of a prohibited plant, cultivating cannabis, knowingly allowing use as drug premises, dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime and dealing with property intended to be an instrument of crime.
Recently released from jail on bail, the 34-year-old had previously represented himself in court.
Prosecution facts tendered to the court said Bourke was taken into custody after police executed a search warrant on a 10-hectare property 17km north-west of Dubbo.
A search of a four-bedroom house revealed 81 small cannabis seedlings growing in a terrarium enhanced by artificial light and heat.
A glass-fronted commercial refrigerator was allegedly used to dry cannabis.
Police found 197 cannabis plants, ranging from 5cm to 100cm in height, growing in pots in cattle yards.
A large generator valued at $28,000 was located between the cattle yards and a machinery shed. Long extension power leads linked the generator to the machinery shed where two large indoor rooms had been constructed from plywood panels and sheets of metal.
The rooms were covered in black plastic. One room contained 46 pots and 25 cannabis plants under hydroponic lights.
The second room had eight hydroponic lights attached to the roof. There was evidence of water and soil marks on a shelf.
Police located cannabis leaf trimmings, scissors, cigarette butts and two fold-out chairs.
Prosecution facts said forensic testing of the cigarette butts, scissors and extension cord plug matched a DNA profile. A total of 303 cannabis plants were seized.
The owner of the property told police he believed his cousin and a friend were growing hydroponic vegetables in the shed.
Bourke was dressed in a dark suit and a blue patterned shirt during his short appearance before Magistrate Price.
An adjournment to September 24 was granted.
The court was told Bourke was living in Gosford and reporting to police twice daily.
