Two members of an alleged sophisticated drug trafficking syndicate have been arrested today, as data reveals more than one person is charged with drug trafficking in St Kilda each week.
Latest data by the Crime Statistics Agency reveals that in the two years to September 2025, 125 drug trafficking charges were laid - equating to more than one major player in the drug industry being charged each week.
The most recent of arrests came on Wednesday, when detectives from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit took down an alleged syndicate operating out of a St Kilda barber shop.
The investigation spanning more than six months commenced after an anonymous tip-off via Crime Stoppers, alleging the barber was supplying his clients with cocaine.
A 35-year-old man was arrested at an apartment on St Kilda Road, St Kilda, about 6am, before police raided his salon on Barkly Street.
Inside the apartment, police seized quantities of cocaine and cannabis, as well as electronic devices.
He was charged with trafficking cocaine and possessing cocaine and cannabis. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 8 September.
The shop was one of four simultaneous search warrants in St Kilda, St Albans and Caroline Springs.
A 54-year-old man was arrested in St Albans, where a cannabis crop house was also dismantled, with police seizing more than 100 plants of varying maturity.
He was charged with cultivating a commercial quantity of a narcotic plant. He will appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
Police will remain dedicated to targeting drug offences throughout St Kilda, with proactive operations and community patrols to keep the community safe.
Police urge anyone who may have information on suspected drug traffickers to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Prahran Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Ben Aldons:
"We know that residents, traders and visitors have concerns with drug use in St Kilda, whether that's on the streets during the day or at nightspots during the evening.
"Victoria Police have their eyes on those peddling drugs - whether they are a large trafficker involved in a sophisticated network or a lower-level dealer on a street corner.
"This entire investigation was sparked by a tip-off through Crime Stoppers. The community is often our eyes and ears, and information such as this is invaluable to bringing down alleged drug syndicates.
"One drug trafficker per week is being charged in St Kilda. If that doesn't serve as a sobering warning to anyone involved in drugs, I'm not sure what will."
