Police have arrested six people, seized two firearms and approximately $500,000 worth of illegal drugs, including significant quantities of methylamphetamine, as part of a series of warrants across Melbourne today.
The arrests come as part of a major investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate responsible for trafficking drugs and firearms across Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate.
Today, detectives from the Eastern Region Crime Squad, with support from the Special Operations Group and Critical Incident Response Team, executed 13 warrants at residential properties and storage facilities in Balwyn, California Gully, Footscray, Footscray West, Rowville, Spotswood, Sunshine North and Warburton.
Six people were arrested including:
• A 43-year-old Spotswood man.
• A 35-year-old Hoppers Crossing man.
• A 36-year-old Rowville man
• A 40-year-old Doreen man
• Two men aged 34-years-old with no fixed address.
All six men are currently in custody and being interviewed by police.
Police have seized approximately:
• 2kg of illicit drugs including significant amounts of methylamphetamine
• Two firearms
• Over $150,000 cash
• Firearm parts and various amounts of ammunition
• GHB, cannabis, steroids and prescription medication
• Multiple alleged stolen vehicles
Another alleged associate of the syndicate was the target of a North West Metro Regional Crime Squad investigation earlier this month.
The 32-year-old was arrested during a search warrant in Ocean Grove on Wednesday 14 May.
Two further search warrants also took place the same day in Oakleigh and Bayswater.
With assistance from eastern and southern regional crime squads, Geelong detectives, the Dog Squad and Australian Federal Police, investigators seized:
• More than 340 packets of cigarettes
• 109 tobacco pouches
• 325 vapes
• Approximately 15ml of 1,4 Butanediol
• A small quantity of methylamphetamine
• 78 illicit prescription pills
• More than $30,000 cash which is alleged to be the proceeds of crime
• Three allegedly stolen guitars, a fender stool and amplifier allegedly stolen during a burglary in Yarra.
The Ocean Grove man was charged with three counts of deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime, two counts of possessing a prescription drug of dependence, possessing methylamphetamine, handling stolen goods and unauthorised possession of poison.
He was bailed to appear before Geelong Magistrates' Court on 11 July.
A second 32-year-old man was arrested at Oakleigh and released pending further enquiries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about alleged drug or firearms trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Detective Inspector Luke Kirton - Eastern Region Crime Advisor:
"If you're trafficking firearms or drugs in Victoria - expect a knock at your door. We will track you down, and we will dismantle your operation."
"These firearms are not toys. They are deadly weapons, and in the wrong hands they are a serious threat to public safety. The fact we've taken multiple guns and a significant amount of drugs off the streets today is a huge win for community safety."
"This alleged syndicate has shown complete disregard for the law and the wellbeing of the community.
"Make no mistake - Victoria Police is coming for anyone involved in this kind of organised criminal activity."
Whether you're operating in the suburbs, regional Victoria or between borders - we will find you, we will shut you down, and we will hold you to account.
