Newly formed VIPER taskforce has made its first arrests, busting a clan lab

Four people were arrested in the pre-dawn raids with police seizing approximately 1kg of MDMA, 20kg of prescription drug tablets and 2000 vials of testosterone.

The newly formed VIPER taskforce has made its first arrests, busting a clan lab with links to the Nomads OMCG in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Detectives from the bikie-busting Echo taskforce with assistance from the VIPER taskforce executed pre-dawn raids on Wednesday at three homes across Albanvale and Sunshine.

Police found a clan lab at one of the Albanvale properties and will allege it was used to make steroids, prescription drugs and MDMA.

Four people were arrested including an Albanvale woman, 39, who was charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of MDMA and prescription drugs.

She was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 11.

Police subsequently seized two pill presses, a significant quantity of drugs, including approximately 1kg of MDMA, approximately 20kg of prescription drug tablets and approximately 2000 vials of testosterone.

“Police believe the quantities seized will have a street value in excess of several million dollars,” a police statement said.

Police arrested three women in pre-dawn raids on Wednesday 26 year old Albanvale woman Picture: Victoria Police

New police taskforce, VIPER, is cracking down on bikie shootings and gangs. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“It will be alleged that the four arrested were involved in the trafficking of drugs of dependence and testosterone, with links to various members of the Nomads OMCG.

“The investigation commenced after consignments containing prohibited goods were detected in New South Wales by Australian Border Force officers.”

An Albanvale man, 49, and a Sunshine woman, 40, were charged with possess drug of dependence.

Both were bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on November 3.

A 26-year-old Albanvale woman was released and is expected to be charged on summons.

The arrests were the first for the VIPER taskforce, which was commenced operations in early July.

The taskforce is focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks from the Echo Taskforce said the results showed police were focused on OMCGs.

“These are groups who are historically linked to immense community harm through criminality such as drug trafficking and manufacture, as well as the use of illicit firearms,” Insp Banks said.

“They will remain a continued focus of Victoria Police for this reason, and we will be targeting their every criminal activity.”