Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have today charged a further three people as part of a proactive investigation into an organised crime syndicate with international links operating in Victoria.
Following the execution of a number of search warrants across Melbourne's northern suburbs yesterday, six people were taken into custody, they include:
A 28-year-old Lalor man who was charged with:
• Possess unregistered handgun
• Traffick cocaine
• Possess cocaine
• Possess ammunition without a licence
• Did deal with proceeds of crime being cash money, and
• Non prohibited person in possession of a firearm
A 28-year-old Lalor woman who was charged with:
• Possess handgun
• Traffick cocaine
• Possess cocaine, and
• Possess cartridge ammunition without a licence
A second 28-year-old Lalor woman who was charged with:
• Traffick Cocaine
• Possess Cocaine
• Possess Cannabis
• Traffic firearms
• Possess unregistered handgun
• Possess handgun without a licence
• Non prohibited person possess a longarm, and
• Fail to store firearm correctly
The trio will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court this afternoon.
Three other people - a 42-year-old Airport West man, a 24-year-old man from Canberra and a 27-year-old NSW woman were all released pending further enquiries.
Police seized a range of items from the properties including three firearms, a commercial quantity of cocaine, ammunition, firearm parts, cash, vehicles and a detonator cord.
Almost 50 mobile phones, SIM cards and laptops were also seized and these will now be forensically analysed.
Shortly after 2.40am on Tuesday (20 January), police attempted to intercept a vehicle near the intersection of Moore Road and Sexton Street in Airport West.
The occupants in the white Kia sped away from police, however were followed by a number of units including the Air Wing.
A short time later the vehicle was dumped on Gaffney Street in Pascoe Vale and a number of people ran from the car into nearby Raeburn Reserve.
Two Sydney men, aged 22 and 21, were arrested in the reserve and both were wearing balaclavas at the time.
They were interviewed by police and subsequently charged with the following offences:
• Aggravated recklessness - exposure of police officers to risk of driving motor vehicle;
• Dangerous driving while being pursued by police;
• Negligent driving while being pursued by police;
• Theft of motor vehicle;
• Possess unregistered handgun;
• Possess ammunition without a licence;
• Going equipped to steal/cheat; and
• Fraudulently use registration label/plate.
The duo was remanded to appear at court at a later date.
The white Kia is alleged to have been stolen and was bearing cloned plates.
A search of the vehicle and nearby area uncovered a handgun, ammunition, a conducted energy device, cable ties, jerry cans and small explosive devices.
A woman walking her dog through Raeburn Reserve about 7.25am also located a firearm and later dropped it off at Fawkner police station.
The investigation by Gang Crime Squad, using significant intelligence gained by Taskforce Lunar, commenced in December last year with a particular focus on syndicate members involved in the trafficking of drugs and firearms.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
