Officers from the VIPER Taskforce have arrested a man and located a clandestine laboratory in a property in Hoppers Crossing today as part of an investigation into drug trafficking via domestic mail.
A 46-year-old Hoppers crossing man was arrested this morning and a warrant was subsequently executed at a Marlborough Crescent address.
During a search of the address, police located vials of liquid suspected to be steroids and multiple other unidentified liquids, large quantities of powders suspected to be used to manufacture steroids as well as drug paraphernalia including packaging, bottles, labels and a labelling machine.
Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad then attended the premises to make conduct checks and ensure the property was safe.
The man was subsequently interviewed by police and has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of drug of dependence namely anabolic steroids, trafficking anabolic steroids, possessing substance, equipment for trafficking in a drug of dependence and possessing a prohibited weapon without an exemption namely an extendable baton.
He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' court on 19 May.
The investigation commenced last month after a number of suspicious parcels were seized during an operation targeting the distribution of drugs via the domestic mail.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
