An alleged drug trafficker, accused of being linked to an international cannabis cultivation syndicate, is not "an organiser or 'Mr Big'", a lawyer has told a court.
Ngoc Canh Tran, 47, was arrested in August after police raided two homes and found 703 plants and 38 kilograms of dried cannabis.
In the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, Tran was granted bail with a $100,000 cash surety.
He is facing charges of cultivating and trafficking cannabis, as well as failing to comply with a court order.
Co-accused Anh Tuan Bui, 51, is also facing charges. The court heard on Friday that Bui was allegedly hiding under floorboards in one of the grow house rooms when he was arrested.
On August 20, police simultaneously searched two homes, one in Flynn and the other in Fraser.
Both are said to have been converted into "cannabis grow houses" with a sophisticated, hydroponic set-up.
In written submissions to the court on Friday, defence barrister Anthony Williamson SC argued more time in custody for Tran would be "highly isolating" due to his limited English skills.
"There is no evidence to suggest that the defendant is an organiser or 'Mr Big' within the cultivation operation," Mr Williamson said.
"He appears to have been a vulnerable Vietnamese national who has been involved in the operation through desperation."
A prosecutor had opposed bail, arguing there was a likelihood of Tran failing to return to court.
"[There is a] level of sophistication which is indicative of a much broader criminal enterprise," the lawyer said.
"Police [are] unaware of other locations where the defendant may have additional set-ups."
Special magistrate Marcus Hassall said there was evidence Tran was "a family man" and had employment as a kitchen hand in NSW if granted bail.
Mr Hassall also noted a $100,000 cash surety, which three of Tran's friends had pooled to assist with his release.
Tran is set to face court again later this month.
