Bikie-busting cops turn focus to Victoria’s country towns

Detectives are shifting their focus to country towns including Shepparton, Mildura and Albury/Wodonga, as they step up their war on bikies.

Bikie-busting detectives are shifting their focus to country towns as they step up their war on organised crime.

The Saturday Herald Sun can reveal detectives from Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police are looking very closely at Mildura, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga.

The move is due to their strategic locations, seen as key for drug trafficking throughout the state.

But it is understood recent results from the latest Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s wastewater analysis showed that illegal drug use is rampant in those areas, leading police to look more closely at the regional areas.

It comes after the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce smashed an alleged illegal drug syndicate linked to the Mongols OMCG in Cobram in the state’s north last weekend.

Bikie busting police are turning their attention to country Victoria. Picture: Tony Gough

Sources told the Saturday Herald Sun that operation is expected to have a significant impact on the drug trade in that part of Victoria.

A Cobram family allegedly connected to the Mongols appeared in court on Monday.

Josh Eddy, 29, his sister Jaide, 18, and father David, 51, faced Shepparton Magistrate’s Court on a string of drug charges.

Police allege Josh was the “ringleader” of the drug operation and his family were “secondary members”.

He was arrested following a police raid at a Yanco Ct property on Sunday where police allegedly seized drugs and $30,000.

His father David was stopped on the Cobram-Barooga bridge that morning.

A search of his car uncovered between $100,000 and $150,000 in cash and a loaded firearm.

The court heard David’s and his daughter’s home was later raided on Gemmill St where police seized a large amount of drugs.

Police said they seized almost 2.5kg of cocaine and 1kg of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine which was found in vacuum sealed bags behind a false wall hidden behind the fridge.

Police arrest Josh Eddy as art of the Mongols alleged drug trafficking raids.

Police later raided an Ellen St property connected to the family uncovering a large amount of luxury items including Louis Vuitton handbags and 20 pairs of high end sneakers.

Josh Eddy’s ex-partner was arrested at the Ellen St property and later bailed.

Josh’s current partner was also arrested and bailed after a raid at the Yanco Ct property where police allegedly found $30,000 in cash.

A search warrant was also carried out at the Mongols club house in Echuca.

A number of items were seized from the various locations including GHB, a loaded handgun and ammunition, illegal fireworks, designer items and clothing.

Vehicles including a Range Rover, Holden Commodore and Holden Ute and motorcycle were also seized by authorities.

Josh Eddy has been charged with four counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs, dealing with proceeds of crime and possessing a firearm.

David Eddy is facing 12 charges including four counts of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a handgun.

Jaide Eddy was charged with four counts of trafficking a large quantity of drugs.