John Busuttil, 33 of Sta Venera, an insurance company employee, was accused in court today of the 'professional' cultivation of cannabis.

He pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Dennis Theuma said this was not some simple case of a few plants in pots. The accused had invested more than €1,000 in the importation and installation of a hydroponic system whereby the plants were grown in water instead of soil.

"This is a scientific system, where the plants can be given the nutrients that they need to grow," the inspector said.

He said 21 plants were found in the garage of the accused in Qormi. Many were about to be harvested.

"This is not a few grams, but kilos" the inspector said, adding that investigations were continuing.

He added that the accused had admitted to the police that he wanted to earn money from this operation and this was an easy way to make cash.

In submissions on bail, lawyer Arthur Azzopardi said there were no witnesses except the police. His client, he said, was never previously investigated by the police. He did not have a criminal record and had collaborated with the police.

Although his client had made a mistake, he should be given the chance to sort out his life before being sent to Corradino.

Magistrate Doreen Clarke remanded the accused in prison and issued a freezing order on his assets. 

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