Police have dismantled an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Mildura, seizing more than $1 million worth of methylamphetamine.
Four people were arrested, including a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), following a series of coordinated warrants in Mildura yesterday.
Members from the Mallee Divisional Response Unit, with support from Mildura Highway Patrol, intercepted a vehicle in Red Cliffs shortly before midday on Tuesday 22 April.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately two kilograms of methylamphetamine valued around $1 million. - a large commercial quantity.
• The driver, a 27-year-old Wyndham Vale man was arrested in Red Cliffs, and was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He will appear at Mildura Magistrates' Court today.
Following the seizure, detectives executed search warrants at two residential properties in Mildura resulting in three further arrests.
• A 35-year-old Mildura man, who is a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was remanded and will appear at Mildura Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 16 July.
• A 37-year-old Mildura woman was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and was bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates' Court on Monday 28 April.
• A 38-year-old Mildura woman was released pending further enquiries.
The operation was supported by members from the Mildura Crime Investigation Unit (CIU), Family Violence Investigation Unit (FVIU), Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT), and Offender Management Unit (OMU).
For trafficking large commercial quantities, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $987,950.
Anyone with information about drug trafficking or in the region is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Dave Rowe - Mildura Investigation and Response Manager:
"These arrests send a clear message - there is no safe haven for alleged drug syndicates in Mildura.
"Illicit drugs have a devastating impact on regional communities, which is why we're committed to dismantling any local syndicates and cutting their supply before it hits the streets.
"Our work doesn't stop here. We'll continue gathering intelligence and we won't hesitate to make further arrests if we uncover anyone involved with drug trafficking."
