Two Vietnamese nationals have been charged with cultivating more than 200 cannabis plants at a Wendouree grow house.
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Arrested on Monday afternoon, the two men appeared separately in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Troung Van Nquyen, who is currently in Australia on a spouse visa, made a self-represented bail application.
The court heard police executed a search warrant on a Sidbury Avenue address on Monday afternoon, only moments before the two men were seen running from the property.
A sophisticated hydroponic system growing more than 200 adult cannabis plants and 60 immature plants were found in five rooms and an outdoor bungalow at the property.
An electrical bypass system was also located, with more than 500kw of power being diverted to the house every day.
The court heard the average household usage was between 12-16kw a day.
More then $3500 in cash and keys to the house were also found in a car belonging to Ngyuen.
Police raised concerns they did not believe the accused would show up to his next court appearance if released on bail.
Nguyen said he would attend court and needed to be released to care for his wife and daughter.
He was refused bail and remanded to reappear in court for a committal mention on October 20.
Unable to speak English, the second offender, 21-year-old Thai Son Nguyen was remanded in custody until July 25 when an interpreter could be made available.