VIPER Taskforce makes 1000 arrests, continues focus on serious and organised crime in Geelong

A special taskforce targeting bikie and other gangs will continue its focus on Geelong after more than 20 recent arrests in the city.

VIPER taskforce officers have worked with Geelong police to make several recent arrests. picture: Victoria Police

A special taskforce targeting bikie and middle eastern gangs will continue it’s focus on Geelong after more than 20 arrests were made earlier this year.

The VIPER Taskorce, which has taken more than 1000 thugs off the street alleged to be involved in serious and organised crime, now involves 80 members and is able to “rapidly deploy” resources down the highway.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said the unit had successfully completed arrests and seizures during operations in regional centres by working “hand-in-hand” with local police.

A joint operation with Geelong detectives in June saw more than 40 homes searched and the seizure of illegal firearms and large commercial quantities of drugs.

“It has been about coming together to clinically and methodically target these groups regardless of what level or type of criminality they are involved in,” he said.

“The work the squad has done to disrupt the criminality of groups such as Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, Middle Eastern Organised Crime syndicates, street gangs and more has seen over 1000 people arrested and more than 2100 charges laid.”

A number of tobacco stores have been torched in the city over the past 12 months linked to the illegal tobacco wars raging across the state.

The taskforce has been deployed outside the Melbourne metro area 80 times since it started in July 2022.

Members recently conducted 34 firearms prohibition order searches and served five drug warrants across Geelong.

One 40-year-old Belmont man was arrested after police found two guns and large quantities of GHB and methylamphetamine at his property.

The VIPER unit has also developed a strong relationship with the NSW Police equivalent RAPTOR.

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Originally published as VIPER Taskforce makes 1000 arrests, continues focus on serious and organised crime in Geelong