Police have arrested six people, seized imitation firearms, and uncovered approximately $350,000 worth of illicit drugs along with more than $60,000 in cash, following a series of warrants executed across Melbourne's eastern suburbs yesterday.
The arrests form part of a five-month investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate involved in trafficking large quantities of methylamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
Last night, detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit, Eastern Region Crime Squad, Eastern Region officers, with support from the Special Operations Group and Dog Squad, and Australian Border Force (ABF) executed ten simultaneous warrants at residential and commercial properties in Croydon, Lilydale, Ashburton, Glen Iris, Huntingdale, Vermont, and Ringwood.
Two men, including a 47-year-old from Croydon and a 22-year-old from Ashburton were arrested by the Special Operations Group in Glen Iris. Both have since been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine - a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Both men were also charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. The 47-year-old Croydon man was additionally charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms. They were both remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
- A 20-year-old Glen Iris man was also arrested, with police later seizing 1kg of cocaine. He was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
Others arrested include:
- A 35-year-old Ringwood man was arrested following a warrant in Ringwood. He was charged with traffick methylamphetamine. He was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court today.
- A 52-year-old Vermont man was arrested and charged with permitting premises to be used for trafficking drugs, possession of drug of dependence including cannabis, methylamphetamine, MDMA, 1,4 Butanediol, and possession of 15 imitation firearms. He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on 26 August.
- A 23-year-old man was arrested in Glen Iris and charged with fail to comply with direction, and possess methylamphetamine. He was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on 23 September.
Police have seized approximately:
- 1kg of cocaine with a street value of approx $350,000
- Over $60,000 cash
- More than half a dozen imitation firearms seized
- Large quantities of ammunition including two silencers and five firearms bolts.
- Three vehicles including a 2015 Mercedes, 2021 Toyota Hilux, and 2019 Toyota Hiace.
- High end designer watches and designer apparel
Quotes attributable to Eastern Region Division Two Detective Inspector Glen Cruse:
"This operation is the result of months of dedicated work targeting an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating across Melbourne's east."
"The seizure of 1kg of illicit drugs, along with firearms, is a great result for our local community.
"This operation is about more than just shutting down an alleged drug trafficking network - it's about reducing the broader ripple effect these substances have on families, road users, and the wider community."
"Disrupting the supply chain at the source is one of the most effective ways we can reduce this harm and keep our communities safe."
"Make no mistake, Victoria Police is coming for anyone involved in any kind of organised crime."
