Police Raids Smash Crime Syndicate
Police smashed an alleged meth trafficking syndicate this week after coordinated raids across Melbourne’s east. The raids uncovered drugs, firearms, cash and luxury items.
Detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit led the operation after investigating alleged methylamphetamine trafficking across the Knox area since July of last year.
Authorities executed eight search warrants on Tuesday the 19th across Bayswater North, Boronia, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and Seville.
Meth, Cash and Firearms Seized
During the raids, detectives allegedly seized about 800 grams of methylamphetamine worth $75,000.
Police also uncovered four firearms and gold bullion valued at $22,000, as well as seizing more than $200,000 in cash, designer handbags, jewellery, luxury watches and two vehicles.
Under the circumstances, Investigators believe the items represent proceeds of crime linked to alleged drug trafficking activity.
Most importantly, detectives also located prohibited weapons, including imitation firearms, tasers, batons, knives, ammunition and knuckle dusters. The seizure ensures they can no longer be used to impact public safety.
Firearms Located During Eastern Suburbs Raids
Detectives arrested two men aged 23 and 36, in Boronia and Bayswater North respectively.
Both face charges relating to prohibited weapons offences.
Police also arrested a 44-year-old man at a Connors Lane property in Seville.
Detectives allegedly located a handgun, pistol, sawn-off shotgun and sawn-off .22 calibre rifle at the address.
Investigators interviewed the man over alleged drug trafficking and firearm offences.
He is expected to face charges on summons.
Meanwhile, officers arrested a 26-year-old Croydon man in Wantirna South.
Police charged him with possessing a drug of dependence and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He will appear before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on the 28th of August.
Croydon Hills Couple Faces Serious Charges
Authorities confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman at a Campaspe Drive property in Croydon Hills.
Detectives allegedly seized more than 600 grams of methylamphetamine worth over $60,000 at the address.
Investigators also located almost $35,000 in cash, half a litre of 1,4-Butandiol and an Audi.
Police charged both with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking firearms and possessing proceeds of crime.
The pair appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday the 20th of May.
They remain remanded and will return to court on the 12th of August this year.
Gold Bullion And Cash Found in Seville
Police arrested a 30-year-old woman at a Wallace Road home in Seville.
During the search, detectives allegedly seized gold bullion and almost $150,000 in cash.
Investigators charged the woman with trafficking and possessing methylamphetamine, alongside possessing proceeds of crime.
She received bail and will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on the 26th of May.
Police Warn Drug Traffickers
The Croydon Divisional Response Unit received assistance from several specialist police units during the operation.
Those units included the Critical Incident Response Team, VIPER Taskforce, Dog Squad and multiple eastern region crime units.
Croydon Divisional Response Unit Sergeant Russell Church delivered a blunt warning to alleged drug traffickers.
“If you make the very poor decision to distribute drugs, we will make no apologies in our relentless pursuit of you,” he said.
He also warned alleged traffickers the risks far outweigh any rewards.
“Anyone who thinks they can stay in the shadows and get away with trafficking drugs is sorely mistaken,” Sergeant Church said.
Victoria Police urged anyone with information about drug trafficking or suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
