Detectives raid Melbourne properties during blitz on Middle Eastern crime
THREE men have been charged after detectives — including anti-bikie cops — raided several properties across Melbourne in a blitz on organised Middle Eastern crime.
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DETECTIVES have raided homes and issued firearms prohibition orders in a blitz on Melbourne Middle Eastern organised crime.
Drugs and weapons were seized in a series of swoops across Melbourne’s suburbs from 6am on Wednesday.
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A 35-year-old Altona North man was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in contravention of a prohibition order and possessing a prohibited weapon.
A man, 28, was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in contravention of a prohibition order, failing to surrender a firearm upon being issued a prohibition order, possessing a firearm-related item in breach of an order, possession of amphetamine and possessing cannabis.
Both were remanded in custody.
A 27-year-old Lalor man was bailed after being charged with cannabis possession.
Firearms prohibition orders allow police to search without warrant and carry the potential of long jail terms for those who breach them.
Police started to impose them earlier this year.
Officers from the anti-bikie Echo taskforce, northwest metro crime squad, Fawkner divisional response unit. Hobsons Bay CIU, Mill Park divisional response unit and Hume CIU were involved in the operation.
Detective acting Sen-Sgt Anthony Gasparini said police wanted to send a strong message that police were focused on MEOC criminal activity.
“This is a group we know have traditionally been involved in violent crimes such as; shootings, assaults, arson, drug trafficking and extortion,” acting Sen-Sgt Gasparini said.
“Their behaviour is often targeted at other entities or rival groups, however has the potential to incur enormous harm on the community and put the public at significant risk.
“Today is about ensuring that those within these groups are held accountable for their criminal actions and show that police will actively work to disrupt their activities.”
“Those who use violence or intimidation to commit crimes need to understand all aspects of their criminality will be addressed and that Victoria Police will take action.”
Anyone with information about MEOC activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au
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