Police bust $1.2m ketamine network in Terang, Glenormiston South and Eliminyt in southwest Vic

Police have intercepted and smashed a ketamine network operating throughout southwestern Victoria, conducting raids in multiple towns in the region.

A $1.2m bust has smashed a ketamine network operating out of small towns in the state’s southwest. Picture: Supplied

A $1.2m bust has smashed a ketamine network operating out of small towns in the state’s southwest.

Raids have been made in the towns of Terang, Glenormiston South and Eliminyt as part of an investigation into the activities of four men in alleged trafficking and distribution of the drug.

One of the men was detained at a delivery centre in Terang on Wednesday where, police allege, a 44-year-old Glenormiston South man was trying to collect 3kg of ketamine.

He was arrested and officers then swooped on a Glenormiston South property where a 35-year-old man was arrested.

“Investigators allege both men were involved in the importation of ketamine, and they have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a Commonwealth offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” a Victoria Police statement said.

A search warrant was done at an Eliminyt property where a man, 22, was arrested.

He has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and failing to comply with a court order.

Raids have been made in the towns of Terang, Glenormiston South and Eliminyt as part of an investigation into the activities of four men in alleged trafficking and distribution of the drug. Picture: Supplied

A 55-year-old man was then arrested after investigators swooped on his property at Kirkstall.

Police say they seized 120 grams of methylamphetamine there and that he has been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence.

Those charged will appear in Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on July 4.

Detectives from the Warrnambool CIU, assisted by the Icarus taskforce, had been running a major inquiry into alleged trafficking and distribution by the network and since earlier this year.

The investigation started after Australian Border Force intercepted 6kg of drugs with a street value of $1.2 million earlier this year.

Icarus investigates drug trafficking via the mail system.

Detective Insp. David Reither of Victoria Police said the probe had shut down the supply chain of a well-organised ketamine operation.

“These arrests should serve as a warning — if you attempt to import or traffic illicit drugs, you will face serious consequences, including the possibility of life in prison,” Insp. Reither said.

Detective Sen-Sgt Jason Schubert of the Icarus Taskforce said: “Through large-scale drug seizures – like the one highlighted today – we prevent the profits from these drugs being invested back into the criminal activities of those involved.

“Importing these types of insidious drugs on an industrial scale ruins lives, while destroying communities and families. Every single deal has the potential to cause death or serious harm, not to mention the devastating impacts on families affected by illicit drug use and the significant healthcare system costs.”