Victoria Police has dismantled an alleged meth trafficking syndicate in Shepparton, as wastewater figures show regional Victoria remains among the hardest hit areas by the drug nationally.
On Friday, Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested 12 people and charged six with drug trafficking or cultivation as part of a major investigation.
The warrants also led to the seizure of over 300 grams of methylamphetamine, with an estimated street value in excess of $60,000, as well as quantities of GHB, cocaine, and cannabis.
A machete, knuckledusters, and ammunition were also recovered, as were an allegedly stolen Landcruiser and motorbike.
It will be alleged the syndicate was purchasing methylamphetamine from Melbourne and selling it across the Shepparton and Mooroopna areas.
These arrests are a continuation of Victoria Police's intensive focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks in regional communities such as Shepparton.
In Shepparton alone, local detectives have arrested and charged almost one drug trafficker each week over the course of a year.
Almost 40 per cent of these offenders were trafficking methylamphetamine, while local police also detected another 160 people in possession of the drug over the same period.
The six people charged with drug trafficking or cultivation following this investigation include:
- A 27-year-old Shepparton woman charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 31 August 2026.
- A 28-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, cocaine, GHB and cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 31 August 2026.
- A 36-year-old Seymour male charged with trafficking cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 31 August 2026.
- A 40-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 7 September 2026.
- A 42-year-old Shepparton man charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and possession of prohibited weapons who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 7 September 2026.
- A 35-year-old Mooroopna man charged cultivating cannabis who was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on 31 July 2026.
Five other people were charged with a range of offences including drug and prohibited weapon possession, while the last individual was interviewed for trafficking methylamphetamine and cocaine, before being released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Sergeant Lance Wiltshire, Shepparton Divisional Response Unit
"Methylamphetamine is a truly insidious substance that wreaks havoc in regional communities.
"Shepparton is not immune, with drugged up drivers, home break ins to feed addiction, family violence, and unsettling anti-social behaviour all undesirable flow on impacts from meth use.
"By removing drugs before they can be on sold, we are not only reducing the direct harm - such as overdoses - but drug fuelled crimes.
"Our detectives are absolutely ruthless when it comes to pursuing drug traffickers, with one arrested every single week in Shepparton.
"The consequences of this lifestyle are truly life-changing, with significant jail time attached to a drug trafficking charge."
