A GREEN-FINGERED crook who claimed almost 100 cannabis plants found at his two properties was for “personal use” will spend a minimum of two years and nine months behind bars.

THREE CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING AFTER RAIDS ON ILLEGAL CANNABIS HOUSES

REAL ESTATE AGENT’S HOME INSPECTION UNCOVERS CROP HOUSE

Tuan Pham was sentenced in the County Court last month after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis at properties in Wollert and Epping between November 2015 and February 2016.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing electricity during the same period.

Pham was arrested after neighbours notified police something was not right at his Wollert address.

Judge Damian Murphy said the set-up was “fairly obvious”.

“[Neighbours said] the blinds on the house at Wollert were drawn and that there was a hose running into the house through a window,” Judge Murphy said.

“The smell of cannabis was also detected.”

Police raided both properties a few months later and found almost 100 plants weighing close to 125kg.

Pham had originally claimed the cannabis was for “personal use” but this was not accepted by Judge Murphy who labelled it a “sophisticated hydroponic set-up”.

“The appropriate way to characterise you is as a principal in a joint criminal enterprise with one or more unknown individuals, for financial reward,” he said.

Pham, a permanent resident, was sentenced to a maximum of four years and six months and had his visa cancelled.

He is now liable for deportation.