Tyson Profilio was busted with almost 50 cannabis plants in a "sophisticated" hydroponic setup after police raided four industrial units owned by his father on Thursday morning.

Profilio met police at the door of one unit and proceeded to walk them through the crime scene.

Police will allege they discovered 47 cannabis plants ranging in size from 10cm to 100cm high, along with fertilizer, grow boxes, a cultivation station, fans, charcoal filters, cannabis seeds and "copious" amounts of cannabis leaf (5.1kg in total) during the search.

Profilio allegedly told police he grew all the plants for himself, although did admit he "gives some away to friends on occasions", detectives said.

Police also located a gel pistol and a magazine in a drawer next to Profilio's bed.

Profilio was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where he was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, supplying cannabis, two counts of possessing prohibited drug and possessing unauthorised pistol.

He was remanded in custody and faced Wollongong Local Court on Friday where he sought release on bail.

Police prosecutor Sergeant David Weaver opposed bail, noting the strength of the case against Profilio and the likelihood he would face jail time if convicted.

"He's found with 47 cannabis plants - that's three less than the indictable quantity," he said.

"This was an organised criminal enterprise."

Defence lawyer Jordan Mechan said Profilio denied he supplied any cannabis as alleged, saying Profilio self-medicated with cannabis to treat agoraphobia, depression and anxiety.

However, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail on account of the strength of the case. The matter will return to court on October 22.