Detectives from the Echo Taskforce have charged and remanded eight people following raids in Melbourne's north-west last Thursday (12 September).
The charges are the result of a 10-month investigation into the importation of border controlled substances and large commercial level trafficking within Victoria.
The seven men and one woman were remanded in custody and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 31 January, 2020.
A 27-year-old Caroline Springs man has been charged with:
• traffick drug of dependence - large commercial quantity;
• three counts of import commercial quantity of border controlled precursor;
• two counts of import marketable quantity of border controlled drugs;
• import marketable quantity of border controlled precursors;
• 10 counts of import marketable quantity of border controlled drugs; and
• knowingly deal with proceeds of crime
A 25-year-old Caroline Springs woman has been charged with:
• traffick drug of dependence - large commercial quantity; and
• knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
A 20-year-old Aberfeldie man has been charged with:
• traffick drug of dependence - large commercial quantity;
• traffic cocaine;
• two counts of importing a commercial quantity of border controlled precursor;
• import marketable quantity of border controlled precursor; and
• three counts of theft of motor vehicle.
A 21-year-old Greenvale man has been charged with:
• traffick drug of dependence - large commercial quantity;
• traffick cocaine;
• import commercial quantity of border controlled precursor; and
• criminal damage by fire (arson).
A 30-year-old Kew man was charged with:
• one count of trafficking a drug of dependence - large commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol.
He has since been bailed by the court and will also appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 31 January, 2020.
A 30-year-old Hillside man was charged with:
• traffic a drug of dependence - large commercial quantity; and
• two counts of import marketable quantity of border controlled drugs.
A second 30-year-old man from Kew and a 32-year-old Reservoir man were both charged with traffic a drug of dependence - large commercial quantity.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the importation of these drugs and are appealing for anyone who has further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
