Firearms and drugs including methamphetamine and cannabis seized in police operation

Police have seized drugs, firearms, cash and alleged stolen property and have arrested five people after a major operation across the Latrobe Valley.

Five people have been arrested after police seized imitation firearms, ammunition, drugs, cash and stolen property in a major operation across Gippsland this week. Picture: Supplied

Five people have been arrested after police seized imitation firearms, ammunition, drugs, cash and stolen property during a major operation across Gippsland.
Latrobe CIU detectives and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce teamed up as part of Operation Poseidon checking for illegal weapons and executing drug warrants in the region this week.

Police seized a variety of items including a traffickable quantity of GHB, cash, cannabis, methamphetamine, imitation firearms, ammunition, allegedly stolen property such as an e-bikes, bank cards, copper wire and a vehicle allegedly used to escape police.

On Tuesday, detectives searched a Morwell home and arrested a 32-year-old man who was charged with 10 offences including evading police, unlicensed driving, reckless conduct endangering life, possessing a drug of dependence, hindering police and handling stolen goods.

The charges relate to an incident where Latrobe CIU detectives were driving along Southern Rd in Traralgon and saw a silver Ford Falcon sedan about 2.45am on February 4.

Police approached the car before the driver allegedly accelerated and sped away

Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce have knocked on the doors of 20 homes in the Latrobe Valley this week. Picture: Supplied

It’s alleged the driver was seen travelling on the wrong side of the road and driving incorrectly through a roundabout at the time.

He has been bailed to appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on May 2.

Also on Tuesday, police searched a Newborough home where they seized an imitation firearm and ammunition with charges expected to be laid against a 66-year-old man.

Detectives searched another Morwell home where they found $2500 cash, alleged stolen property taken during an aggravated burglary, methamphetamine and cannabis on Wednesday.

Five people have been arrested as part of the investigation. Picture: Supplied

A 37-year-old Morwell man was arrested and charged with 11 offences, dealing with the proceeds of crime, including handling stolen goods and possessing methylamphetamine.

The man was bailed to appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on May 2.

Latrobe detective Senior Sergeant Trevor Vondrasek said the operations “keep the heat” on those prohibited from possessing a firearm due to their criminal history and associations.

The Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce assist in the operation, finding various items in the operation. Picture: Supplied

Police raided homes in Morwell and Newborough. Picture: Supplied

Anyone with more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000, submit a confidential crime report online or call the Morwell police station [phone].