Alleged ringleader of heroin syndicate among 100 arrested in Springvale crackdown

One of Springvale’s alleged “primary heroin suppliers” has been arreseted along with scores of others as police crack down on the drug’s supply and distribution in the southeast. Watch the video.

An accused ringleader of a heroin syndicate supplying many of Springvale’s vulnerable drug users has been arrested as part of a major force crackdown of the drug in the south east.

The alleged “primary heroin supplier” is one of more than 100 people to be arrested over the alleged trafficking and distribution of heroin in Springvale since November.

Police this week made several key arrests in relation to the supply and movement of the drug in the trouble-plagued suburb in what police say is a major development in the fight against heroin in the area.

This Subaru was seized from a business on Bando Rd. Picture: Victoria Police

Police executed a search warrant at a business on Bando Rd where they seized a souped-up Subaru BRZ — allegedly stolen from Doveton — along with stolen passports and security badges.

They also raided a Keysborough home, where they allegedly uncovered commercial quantities of heroin with an estimated street value of $40,000.

About 250g of meth that held an estimated street value of $35,000 was also uncovered.

A cutting agent, mobile phones and almost $45,000 cash was also allegedly seized.

Officers raided a business and factory on Bando Rd this week. Picture: Victoria Police

Police have now made 100 arrests in relation to drug offences in Springvale since late last year. Picture: Victoria Police

The 49-year-old alleged ringleader of the syndicate was arrested at a home on Princeton Drive in Keysborough, charged with trafficking commercial quantities of heroin and methylamphetamine.

He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he was remanded to appear in court on September 19.

Further search warrants were executed on Thursday where quantities of MDMA, meth and cannabis were found.

Two men aged 33 and 28 were charged and bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on September 1 while a woman, 25, was issued with a drug diversion.

It comes amid a major crackdown of the drug in the area. Picture: Victoria Police

Springvale Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer said heroin was continuing to harm the area and this week’s arrests would assist in driving down the supply.

“We have made a significant number of arrests relating to this drug in the local area; getting such a dangerous substance off our streets is something we take really seriously,” he said.

“Local police will continue to target those involved in the alleged distribution of heroin and other illicit drugs in the area, from traffickers down to those dealing in the streets.

“Dedicated operations like this will ensure we continue to drive down drug-related harm in our community.”