Court: Shepparton’s Callum Savio busted for role in ‘crime syndicate’

A Katandra cricket captain has been busted for his role in a “crime syndicate” that ran between Melbourne and Shepparton.

Callum Savio was sentenced to 18 months’ jail for his role in an “organised crime syndicate”.

A Shepparton cricket captain has been nabbed as part of a “crime syndicate” that ran between Melbourne and Shepparton.

Callum Savio, 33, pleaded guilty to dealing with proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods, possessing GHB and possessing ecstasy in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on September 17.

Police alleged that Savio and a co-accused ran an organised crime syndicate between the state’s capital and the regional hub.

Police raided the co-accused address in January where they seized 80g of methylamphetamine, 3L of GHB, $48,000, an assortment of power tools valued in excess of $100,000, trailers, motorbikes, home appliances and building supplies.

Police arrested the co-accused before they raided Savio’ address on January 15, where they found five SD cards, three CCTV cameras, and receipts from pokie machines.

Police also found ecstasy tablets, viagra and 1,4 butadeniol.

Savio, who appeared in court via video link from Port Phillip Prison, made a no comment interview and was hauled into custody.

Senior Constable Alisha Buchanan had previously said the duo had “actively been running an organised criminal syndicate” between Melbourne and Shepparton.

The court heard Savio played cricket for a local cricket side and was captain of the ‘B’ team.

The court heard Savio made strong connections at the cricket club and had “strong community support” there.

Savio played cricket down on the Mornington Peninsula in his younger days.

Callum Savio playing cricket for Katandra.

Savio, who was supported by his mother in court, also breached a community corrections order which was read to the court.

The court heard Savio had prior convictions for drug trafficking and drug possession, and had previously done two stints behind bars.

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski told Savio he had an “unimpressive history” in the criminal justice system.

Mr Zebrowski told the court that ice had a “stranglehold” on rural Australia and referred to the damage it had done in the Shepparton community.

Mr Zebrowski said Savio entered a plea at a “relatively early opportunity” and was somewhat remorseful.

Savio was sentenced to 18 months in jail, with a non-parole period of nine months.

Savio has spent 246 days in custody.