Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested eight people as part an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking in the Richmond area.
Officers have executed a number of warrants at residential properties in Burnside Heights and Richmond today, seizing drugs and cash.
Four males and four females have been arrested in relation to drug trafficking offences. They include:
- A 49-year-old Richmond man who was arrested in Victoria Street, Richmond.
- A 36-year-old Brunswick West woman who was arrested at a health facility in North Richmond.
- A 43-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, both from Burnside Heights man, who were arrested in Gardner Street, Richmond.
- A 42-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from Richmond, who were arrested in Egan Street.
- A 35-year-old Richmond man who was arrested in Murphy Street.
- A 40-year-old Richmond woman who was arrested in Elizabeth Street.
They are currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
The 49-year-old Richmond man and 36-year-old Brunswick West woman work at a health facility in North Richmond.
The arrests come as part of Operation Sievers, a three-month investigation targeting drug trafficking and the harm it inflicts on the community.
North West Metro Region Acting Superintendent Kelvin Gale said police would continue to work tirelessly to disrupt the supply of drugs in Richmond and Yarra.
"The trafficking of drugs causes significant harm in the community, which is why we are absolutely committed to arresting these offenders and putting them before the court," A/Supt Gale said.
"While we recognise those who use illicit drugs have a health problem, we also know that drugs are a big contributor to crime in Victoria.
"That's why we run operations focussed on street-level drug dealing and possession as well as drug trafficking in the area, focussing our attention on those who prey on the vulnerable.
"We believe today's arrests will have an impact on the level of drug trafficking in the Richmond area, however as police our work continues.
"Yarra police, with the support of the Operations Response Unit, Transit Safety Division, Bicycle Patrol and Highway Patrol will continue to proactively patrol the area and target criminal behaviour to reduce supply of drugs and to ensure the community remains safe."
Anyone with information about crime or drug trafficking in Yarra is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at https://www.crimestoppers.com.au.
