Court told drug raid uncovers cannabis

POLICE uncovered close to 100 cannabis plants growing inside a Corio home during a drug raid this week, a court has heard.

Geelong detectives pounced on the Donax Rd home about 2.30pm on Wednesday, focusing on two sheds at the back of the property.

They allegedly found inside a hydroponic set-up with 99 cannabis plants at various stages of growth, including many close to harvest.

A man at the home, Billy Liu, has been charged with cultivating cannabis.

He appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was refused bail.

Police also allegedly found a taser in Mr Liu’s car along with a tip book that appeared to detail drug transactions.

The court heard Mr Liu was originally from Vietnam but had been an Australian citizen since 1983.

Police claim he was forthcoming in an interview with detectives, allegedly telling them he had no source of income, which led to the cannabis operation.

Representing himself from the dock, Mr Liu pledged to live crime-free if released from custody. He said he would live with his son in Laverton if released, but admitted he had been unable to contact him about that proposition given he had no access to his phone.

“If you give me bail today, I won’t break the law again,” he said.

Magistrate Cynthia Toose refused bail.

Mr Liu will return to court later this year.