Drug trafficking street gangs across Melbourne busted
Cocaine, a gun and a ballistic vest have been seized and 10 people have been arrested in a major gang crime drug trafficking investigation.
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Cocaine, a gun and a ballistic vest have been seized in a major gang crime drug trafficking investigation.
About 1kg of cocaine was uncovered and 10 people arrested in the year-long Gang Crime Squad operation that targeted drug trafficking by street gang associates across Melbourne.
Warrants were carried out at Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South where the cocaine, a pistol, the ballistic vest and cannabis were confiscated.
A Mercedes-Benz and a BMW were also towed away under warrant.
Police said a 25-year-old Cranbourne North man has been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, vehicle theft, dealing in the proceeds of crime and bail breaches.
A Narre Warren man, 22, was charged with the same offences.
Both will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 17.
Investigators later charged a Clyde North man, 22, with trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine and possessing cannabis.
An Endeavour Hills man and an Altona Meadows woman, both 20, were interviewed and released.
On Wednesday, five more people were arrested and search warrants were carried out at Lynbrook, Clayton, Hampton Park, Dandenong, Somerville and Tyabb, where police uncovered meth, cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, MDMA and cash.
Police charged a 29-year-old Lynbrook man with trafficking cocaine, possessing and trafficking meth and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime.
A 31-year-old Hampton Park man was also charged with possessing cannabis and cocaine.
Both men will front Dandenong Magistrates’ Court today.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old Clayton man was charged with possessing cannabis and prescription medication and was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on February 7 next year.
A 25-year-old Hampton Park man has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on February 8, while another 25-year-old Hampton Park man was released pending further inquiries.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Mitchell from Victoria Police’s Gang Crime Squad said the major bust uncovered street gangs’ links to “high level organised crime”.
“We will continue to focus on those people and ensure their criminality is targeted regardless of what it involves,” he said.
“To arrest 10 people and seize a significant quantity of drugs is satisfying, especially alongside the seizure of the firearm and ammunition.”
Anyone with information about drug trafficking should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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