Police tell of hydroponic haul

POLICE found a hydroponic set-up and large cannabis haul following a routine car intercept in Colac, a court has heard.

Cheryl Vriend appeared in custody at Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday where she successfully applied for bail.

The Colac mother has been charged with cultivating, possessing and trafficking cannabis after being stopped by police on Wednesday morning.

Officers intercepted Ms Vriend on Murray St where they allegedly found cannabis in her car.

Police claim the woman admitted to having more cannabis at her home, where they allegedly found a hydroponic set-up and various plants — all of which were dead except for one.

They ultimately seized more than 70g worth of cannabis, along with her phone, which they allege showed messages consistent with drug dealing.

In court yesterday, police opposed bail, claiming Ms Vriend was an unacceptable risk of further drug related offending.

The arresting officer gave evidence the woman had admitted producing up to 60 ounces of cannabis a season, which was said to be worth up to $18,000.

Her defence lawyer said Ms Vriend was a long-term drug user who used cannabis to “self-medicate” her schizophrenia.

The lawyer said the case was likely to resolve in a guilty plea.

Magistrate John Lesser granted Ms Vriend bail with conditions including that she not leave Victoria, not drive a motor vehicle and report to police twice a week.

Her case will return to court next month.