Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged six 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.
Of those arrested, six have been charged with drug offences including:
• A 49-year-old Richmond man has been charged with traffick drug of dependence He has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 29 October.
• A 36-year-old Brunswick West woman is expected to be charged on summons with traffick drug of dependence.
• A 43-year-old Burnside Heights woman has been charged with traffick drug of dependence. She has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 29 October.
• A 51-year-old Burnside Heights man has been charged with traffick drug of dependence. He has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 29 October.
• A 43-year-old Richmond man has been released pending further enquiries.
• A 42-year-old Richmond woman has been charged with traffick drug of dependence. She has been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 29 October.
• A 35-year-old Richmond man has been charged with traffick drug of dependence. He has been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 25 October.
• A 40-year-old Richmond woman has been released pending further 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 hope 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.
