Detectives from the Marine Investigation Unit have extradited a woman from Byron Bay, New South Wales as part of a major ongoing boat theft and drug operation.
Following an extensive investigation, the Brunswick Heads woman was arrested on Wednesday 17 August with assistance of New South Wales Police.
She appeared before Ballina Local Court later that day where Victoria Police detectives successfully applied to have her extradited.
The 30-year-old has since been charged with a number of offences including cultivating a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence (cannabis) and will appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court this morning, 19 August.
The charges relate to a search warrant at a rural property in Murchison on 26 April.
Detectives seized a large amount of allegedly stolen property and drugs including:
• 103kg of dried cannabis with an estimated street value of $750,000
• Two firearms
• Methylamphetamine
• A truck valued at $20,000
• A bobcat valued at $15,000
• Two motorbikes valued at $10,000
• An industrial generator valued at $25,000
The woman is the fourth person to be charged since the large-scale operation commenced earlier this year.
A 52-year-old Murchison man was charged in April with traffick a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence (cannabis), four counts of handle stolen goods, possess drug of dependence (crystal methylamphetamine), possess category A longarm unlicenced and possess imitation firearm.
He was bailed to appear at the Shepparton Magistrates' Court on 30 August.
A 73-year-old Brunswick man and a 38-year-old Murchison man were arrested in July and charged with cultivate a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Both were bailed to appear before the Shepparton Magistrates' Court on 11 October.
Two allegedly stolen Bar Crusher boats and trailers, with a total value of more than $240,000, computers, phones and samurai swords have also been seized as part of the operation.
The investigation remains ongoing and further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributed to Water Police Squad Inspector Greg Barras:
"Our Marine Investigation Unit is unwavering in its commitment to catch up with those who choose to perpetrate crime, no matter where they might be.
"Our detectives are committed to this operation and won't stop until every person involved is held to account."
