Police have continued to tackle drug crime in Victoria's south west, arresting three men and seizing drugs and imitation firearms in a series of warrants executed on Friday.
The arrests come as part of Operation Stein, a protracted investigation into alleged
trafficking of cocaine and MDMA in Victoria's south west led by Warrnambool Divisional Tasking Unit officers supported by Crime Investigation Units from Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton.
Investigators executed four search warrants in the Port Fairy and Warrnambool areas just after 10am, allegedly seizing various quantities of cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.
Additionally, police also seized two imitation firearms.
A 21-year-old man was arrested at Awabi Court in Port Fairy after police allegedly located a quantity of cannabis and MDMA. He has been charged with traffick and possess a drug of dependence.
A subsequent warrant, in relation to the 21-year-old, was also executed at an address on Mahoneys Road in Warrnambool, resulting in police locating a quantity of cannabis.
A warrant executed at an address on the Princes Highway at Warrnambool resulted in investigators allegedly locating two imitation firearms.
A 33-year-old man, from that address, has been charged with prohibited person possess imitation firearm.
He has been bailed to appear at the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on 24 January 2022.
The fourth warrant was also executed in Warrnambool on the Princes Highway where investigators located a quantity of cocaine and prescription medication.
At this address police arrested a 60-year-old man who has been charged with traffick a drug of dependence.
The 21-year-old man and the 60-year-old man have both been remanded to appear at the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on Monday 27 September.
Quotes attributed to Detective Inspector Josh Tink:
"Drug related crime has a devastating impact on the community, with a dependence on drugs contributing to an increase in family violence incidents, assaults and thefts in the area."
"Our local community can rest assured police will continue to crack down on drug trafficking and other drug related offences in the region, to keep these harmful substances off our streets."
"Our message to those attempting to profit by introducing dangerous and illicit drugs into our community is clear - we will find you, we will hold you to account and we will stop you from hurting Victorian lives."
