The owner of a Chinese restaurant in central Wanganui found to have a "sophisticated" cannabis growing and drying operation in the attic was sentenced to home detention and community work yesterday.
Raymond Ng was supported by family during his sentencing in the Whanganui District Court on charges of possessing and cultivating cannabis, and possessing a firearm without a licence.
More than 200 cannabis plants were discovered in the attic of Ng's Chinese restaurant Beijing on September 6 last year.
Judge David Cameron said there were two growing rooms and a drying room, with polythene on the walls to reflect light, heat shields, an "elaborate ducting system", and carbon filters to help remove cannabis odours.
Police found 226 live plants in four different stages of growth, and a further 15 harvested and drying, Judge Cameron said.