Vietnamese Couple Sentenced for Large-Scale Cannabis Cultivation in New Zealand

Judge Arthur Tompkins sentenced Tu Vu and Hong Vu to three years’ imprisonment each, after applying credits for guilty pleas and personal mitigating factors. The judge set a starting point of four years and three months, noting the defendants’ low risk of reoffending but also their limited remorse. Both were ordered to forfeit the cash found on them – $3,750 for Tu Vu, $1,700.80 for Hong Vu, and $5,839.90 for their associate, plus A$580. The couple will serve their terms in separate prisons and are expected to be deported to Vietnam after release.

The New Zealand Herald

Police raids uncovered two indoor grow operations. At a warehouse on William St, Huntly, investigators found 460 cannabis plants, 41.5 kg of dried bud ready for sale, and 103 × 50-litre bags of soil. The site was equipped with artificial lighting, irrigation, and ventilation systems designed to mask odour. On July 4, 2024, officers executing a search warrant also seized a second site on Duke St, Ngaruawahia, where 61 kg of unsaleable cannabis plants were discovered. Cash totaling $3,750, $1,700.80, $5,839.90 and A$580 was recovered from the three defendants.

The New Zealand Herald

Crown prosecutor Lexie Glaser urged the court to align the couple’s sentence with that of co-defendant Mai, for whom a five-year starting point had been recommended. Defence lawyer Callum Fredric argued for a lower starting point of four years, emphasizing the couple’s financial desperation and lack of a legitimate job.

The New Zealand Herald

Police characterised the Vus as “significantly involved as overseers” motivated by financial gain, while also acknowledging they were not the main perpetrators.

The New Zealand Herald

“Out of financial desperation, owing a lot of money, he has accepted work as a cannabis labourer,” — Callum Fredric — Callum Fredric, defence lawyer.

The New Zealand Herald