Major Drug Squad investigators have arrested three people this week after seizing 38kg of cocaine worth $12.3 million and uncovering a clandestine drug laboratory as part of an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in Melbourne's west and north-west.
Investigators allege the syndicate had been operating out of an address in Braybrook and an address in Fraser Rise, as well as using two vehicles to travel interstate.
Police intercepted one of the vehicles on the Hume Highway near Euroa and the other at an address in Sunshine on Monday 8 September.
A search of both vehicles was conducted, with police locating and seizing 32kg of cocaine, cash and numerous mobile phones.
Subsequent warrants were then executed the same day by Major Drug Squad investigators and the Clandestine Laboratory Squad at an address in Braybrook, as well as the following day on Tuesday 9 September at addresses in Fraser Rise, Sunshine and Cairnlea.
The Royal Avenue address in Braybrook was found to house a sophisticated drug lab along with various chemicals, equipment and weapons.
Further drugs, including 6kg cocaine and 16kg methylamphetamine were seized from the addresses, as well as three handguns, two 3D printed firearms, ammunition and around $70,000 in cash.
It means police sized a total of 38kg of cocaine, which has an estimated potential street value of $12.3 million.
The 16kg methylamphetamine seized by police has an estimated potential street value of $9.6 million.
A 30-year-old Sunshine man was arrested and charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of cocaine and methylamphetamine and possessing equipment for manufacture.
A 31-year-old Cairnlea man and a 26-year-old Fraser Rise man were also arrested and charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of cocaine.
All three men have been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 30 January 2026.
The arrests form part of an 18-month investigation focused on dismantling a sophisticated and organised drug trafficking syndicate operating within Melbourne's west and north-west.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Jamie Walker, Major Drug Squad:
"Drug trafficking doesn't just affect those using the substances - it drives violence, crime and trauma right across the state. That's why we have come down hard and arrested those involved.
"Our team has been relentless to track down offenders as part of this investigation and in turn have removed considerable quantities of drugs from the streets - particularly cocaine.
"As the cost of living has risen, we are not seeing the appetite for illicit drugs go down in any way. We know that people have consistently had a significant appetite for illicit drugs and as such, our willingness to pay a premium for them has made us an attractive market for serious and organised crime groups involved in the drug trade.
"Ultimately it's about holding people accountable where they break the law and bring significant harm to our community. That's why we will continue to make Victoria as hostile an environment as possible for anyone associated with the trafficking of drugs and will continue running operations such as this to hold people accountable."
