Police have seized an estimated $6 million worth of methamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine from Melbourne's northern and western suburbs, and charged five alleged drug traffickers over the last week.
Two separate investigations led by the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad have busted two alleged drug trafficking syndicates - one operating in Williams Landing and another in Diamond Creek.
Earlier this week detectives seized over 25 kilograms of drugs including ketamine, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine, as well as half a million dollars in cash from a property in Williams Landing.
The search of the property on Williams Landing Boulevard was a result of an investigation by detectives into an alleged syndicate operating out of the suburb.
Four people have been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs.
The Williams Landing bust came after another separate alleged drug trafficker from Diamond Creek was charged last week by the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad.
Detectives located 11 kilograms of methylamphetamine during a search of a property on Wensley Street on Thursday 26 March.
The estimated street value of the methylamphetamine is $1.1 million.
Two sets of scales, a money counter and various other drugs were located during the search.
Three people were arrested, including:
- A 24-year-old man from Diamond Creek was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was remanded to appear at court at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 18 June.
- A 30-year-old from South Morang is expected to be charged on summons with dealing proceeds of crime and possess drug of dependence.
- A 52-year-old man from Diamond Creek was released pending further enquiries.
At the Williams Landing property on Monday, police seized over 25 kilograms of drugs and other items including:
- 11 kilograms of MDMA with an estimated street value of $2.2 million
- 10.8 kilograms of ketamine with an estimated street value of $1.9 million
- 3.4 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $680,000
- 500 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $55,000
- Approximately $500,000 in cash
- Holden Colorado utility
- Steroids
- Cannabis
- Machete
- Electronic devices
Four people were charged with traffick a large commercial quantity of ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy and methylamphetamine, including:
- 28-year-old man from Williams Landing
- 27-year-old man from Williams Landing
- 27-year-old woman from Tarneit
- A 25-year-old woman from Williams Landing
The two males and the Tarneit woman were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 23 June. The Williams Landing woman was bailed to appear at court on the same date.
A 28-year-old woman from Minto in New South Wales was also arrested at the address but was released pending enquiries.
The total quantity of drugs seized during these investigations has an estimated street value of $5.9 million.
Detectives continue to investigate drug trafficking across Melbourne.
Anyone with information about those trafficking drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Inspector Geoff Owen:
"This is a huge effort by our investigators to seize over 35 kilograms of harmful substances, worth an estimated six million dollars.
"These investigations highlight our commitment to pursuing drug traffickers and those profiting off the sale of these harmful substances.
"By removing drugs before they can be on sold, we are not only reducing the direct harm - such as overdoses - but drug fuelled crimes and further criminal offending.
"The consequences of this lifestyle are truly life-changing, with significant jail time attached to a drug trafficking charge."
