More than 20 students faced court in 2017 in connection with confiscation of almost two tonnes of cannabis. 20 students were in court in 2016. Seven students have been convicted of “crop sitting” cannabis plants in Victoria since October 2017.
Victorian court documents suggest that large criminal groups set up houses with equipment needed to cultivate cannabis plants. They recruit students to reside at these houses and maintain the plants, The PIE News reports. This kind of work comes with quick and easy money. One student said he was paid $500 per week, according to Daily Mail.
“I have sentenced many people such as yourself,” Judge Jane Patrick said while sentencing Hoang Viet Dang, who was jailed for 12 months in 2016 for crop-sitting.
Most of the students charged are of Vietnamese descent. Properties in Ballarat, St. Arnaud, Traralgon and Yarram, have been raided by the Victorian police.
