VIPER taskforce makes arrests, seizes drugs from Keilor Downs home

Drugs, weapons and cash have been seized from a property in Melbourne’s northwest as police moved to dismantle an alleged drug trafficking syndicate.

Anti-gang police have made a series of arrests and seized an array of drugs and weapons as part of an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in Melbourne’s northwest.

In its third major bust this week, police from the VIPER taskforce — which focuses on detecting, disrupting and dismantling organised crime and criminal gang activity across Victoria — raided a Keilor Downs property on Tuesday morning.

As part of the search they seized more than 75 items including a large quantity of sealed bags believed to contain cannabis and cocaine.

They also seized an explosive device, prohibited weapons, a gel blaster and significant quantities of cash.

A police spokesperson said six people were arrested.

A 44-year-old Keilor Downs woman was charged with trafficking and possessing cannabis as well as dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

A 22-year-old Keilor Downs woman was also charged with trafficking and possessing cannabis, dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Further, a 21-year-old Keilor Downs man was charged with trafficking and possessing cannabis, possessing an imitation firearm, prohibited weapon and controlled weapon, dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

A 17-year-old Keilor Downs boy was charged with trafficking and possessing cannabis, possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a prohibited weapon, dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and unlawful possession of an explosive device.

A 20-year-old Kurunjang woman and a 16-year-old Belgrave girl were both released but are expected to be charged on summons.

It is the latest bust by the VIPER taskforce, which has made several big busts since being established this month.

Anyone with information about organised criminal or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au