Police have charged a Vietnamese national and seized 164 cannabis plants from an alleged grow house in suburban Canberra.

ACT Police said officers executed a search warrant on the 30-year-old’s vehicle and his Throsby residence as well as a Hackett home on Tuesday.

They said they had previously received information that Hackett’s residence was suspected of being used to grow large amounts of cannabis.

Upon entering Hackett’s property, police allegedly discovered evidence that it was being used as a grow house.

They said there was extensive damage to the home, as well as holes in the ceilings, floors and walls.

“Additionally, unauthorized electrical work was carried out which exposed the public to risk,” police said in a statement.

“Sophisticated” cannabis operation

Ha Dinh Pham appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of a controlled plant and possessing equipment used to cultivate controlled plants.

He was also charged with damaging the Hackett home.

He was also charged with theft for allegedly stealing electricity, while he was also charged with unauthorized use of electricity.

The court heard Mr Pham had lived in Australia for about 10 years, including about half in the ACT.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing there was a likelihood the man would reoffend and avoid future court appearances.

The prosecution said the Hackett operation was “sophisticated”.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker described the alleged offenses as “serious”, telling the court the prosecution’s case was “strong”.

But she said it appeared Mr Pham was a “low-level” participant in a much larger operation.

Magistrate Walker granted bail but imposed several conditions, including that Mr Pham not enter the suburb of Hackett and surrender his passport.

He will be back in court in December.

Police said they would continue to target the manufacture, sale and distribution of illicit drugs.