Fawkner Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives have arrested nine people and seized over $1 million worth of drugs and firearms as part of an extensive investigation into drug manufacturing in Melbourne.
Detectives executed 12 search warrants over the last four weeks, with the final two executed on Tuesday. Search warrants were conducted across Airport West, Essendon, Keilor Downs, South Melbourne, and Sunshine.
As a result of the warrants, police seized:
• Seven alleged stolen firearms
• A commercial quantity of methyl amphetamine
• Items used in the manufacturing of methyl amphetamine
• 141 cannabis plants
• Large quantity of stolen and fraudulent identification cards
The estimated total street value of the drugs and firearms combined is over $1 million.
Nine people were arrested, resulting in five people being charged and three expected to be charged on summons.
Those charged include:
• 31-year-old Airport West man and a 36-year-old Sunshine North man have both been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis and a drug of dependence, cultivate a commercial quantity of cannabis, possess 1.4 Butanediol and prescription drugs, possess a traffickable quantity of firearms, possess a handgun, other firearm related offences, retain stolen goods, theft, and deal in the proceeds of crime. Both men have been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 5 June.
• 32-year-old Essendon man has been charged with trafficking commercial quantity of drugs, drug possession, deal in the proceeds of crime and commit an indictable offence while on bail. He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 5 June.
• 52-year-old South Melbourne woman has been charged with trafficking drug of dependence, deal in the proceeds of crime and contravene bail conditions. She has been bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 24 May.
• 25-year-old Keilor Downs man has been charged with possess cannabis, possess methyl amphetamine, possess ammunition, and commit an indictable offence while on bail. He has been bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 25 October.
Another three people were arrested and are expected to be charged on summons with drug related offending.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to Fawkner Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Brad Hobbs
"Removing illicit drugs and firearms from the hands of offenders is a major priority for police."
"Detectives from Fawkner DRU are continuing to work tirelessly to locate dangerous substances, weapons and identify offenders in our community."
"The community can be assured that our work does not stop here. We will continue to work around the clock to gather intelligence, arrest offenders and put them before the courts."
