Two more arrested by Echo Taskforce as part of organised crime syndicate investigation

Detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested two more people this morning as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate linked to drug trafficking.

Warrants were executed at properties in Point Cook, Greenvale and Gladstone Park early this morning.

A 32-year-old Point Cook man is being interviewed by police and expected to be charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs.

A 43-year-old Gladstone Park man was also arrested and will be charged with possess a drug of dependence.

Detectives also seized a number of items from the properties including a high end vehicle allegedly used to traffick drugs, high end designer clothing and bags believed to be the proceeds of crime, and a quality of cash.

Today's arrests form part of a Victoria Police investigation into a large-scale Middle Eastern Organised Crime syndicate.

The investigation commenced in October 2020 with a focus on the syndicate's access to firearms, large-scale drug importation and unexplained wealth.

On Saturday 23 April, detectives from the Echo Taskforce arrested a 31-year-old Ringwood North man and a 27-year-old Mickleham man.

Both were interviewed in relation to the offence of conspiracy to murder.

The 31-year-old was charged with fail to disclose pin code under 456AAA of the Crimes Act while the 27-year-old has been released pending further enquiries.

These arrests came after police received information that members of the syndicate, including people currently in prison, were actively planning to allegedly kill a number of people.

This investigation into these and a number of other threats linked to the syndicate remain active and ongoing with detectives following up a number of further avenues of enquiry.

Echo Taskforce detectives have made 27 arrests relating to the investigation into this syndicate's activities to date.

More than 30 search warrants have been executed leading to the seizure of;

• In excess of $2 million

• A $400,000 stolen Porsche

• Approximately 6kg of heroin

• 25.5kg on amphetamine

• 5.6kg of cocaine

• Various quantities of cannabis, GHB and prescription medication

• More than $100,000 in assets being the proceeds of crime

The investigation is linked to a number of other people being arrested by the Australian Federal Police last weekend as part of an investigation into drug trafficking.

Investigations into the threats to kill and other activities of the syndicate remain ongoing and Victoria Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link

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