Cops net guns, swords in alleged ice-trafficking ring raid in Melbourne’s north west
Detectives investigating an alleged ice-trafficking ring in Melbourne’s north west have seized guns, drugs, swords and an Audi R8 after raids this morning.
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Detectives investigating an alleged ice-trafficking ring arrested 11 people and seized guns, drugs, ballistic vests and swords in dawn raids across Melbourne’s north west this morning.
More than 60 officers carried out the raids and also confiscated tasers, stolen property, more than $190,000 in cash and an Audi R8.
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The Herald Sun can reveal those charged with gun offences are now being considered for firearms protection orders.
The police probe into the syndicate, dubbed “Operation Caracals”, was launched six months ago after investigators received intelligence of gun and methylamphetamine trafficking across Melbourne’s north western suburbs and in the CBD.
Nine men, aged between 27 and 53, were arrested along with two women, aged 50 and 35.
One kilogram of methylamphetamine was seized as well as six firearms — three handguns, including a semiautomatic, one double-barrelled shotgun, another shotgun and a .22 calibre rifle.
In addition to the six guns seized yesterday, five other firearms have also been seized in the past five months by the north west metro regional crime squad as part of the investigation.
The syndicate was made up of Australian and dual citizens of various ethnic backgrounds.
During the raids detectives also seized clandestine laboratory glassware, precursor chemicals, ammunition, steroids, false identification and equipment used to manufacture false identification.
Those arrested have been charged with multiple offences including trafficking firearms, trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs (methylamphetamine), trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs (methylamphetamine), possessing a firearm and possessing drugs.
Detective Inspector Jamie Templeton, who is in command of the north west metro regional crime squad, told the Herald Sun the culmination of the operation had been a “satisfying result” for Victoria Police.
“We are very pleased,” Insp Templeton said.
“The investigation began when we got intelligence to suggest the syndicate was trafficking firearms and large amounts of methylamphetamine.
“We built the case and it has resulted in these seizures.”
The warrants were executed simultaneously at 6am by a number of investigators from different squads, who had worked together as the probe gathered pace.
The north west metro regional crime squad led the investigation, with help from the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce, Brimbank, Hume and Moreland crime investigation units and Fawkner and Mill Park divisional response units.
Although Echo Taskforce was involved, the Herald Sun understands the syndicate has no firm links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.
“There had been a significant amount of dealing in north west Melbourne and the city,” Insp Templeton said.
“Our focus is ensuring we target people who engage in firearms and drug trafficking.
“We get intelligence from the community and elsewhere and this has been a lengthy and satisfying investigation.”