Major drugs operation in Melbourne

THE alleged boss of a drug ring has been arrested in Melbourne as part of a major operation targeting drug dealing in the city.

Police Drug raids in Richmond and Carlton. "Operation Mergers" Critical Incident Response Team members leaving the Drummond Street flats.Picture: Tony Gough

THE alleged boss of a drug ring has been arrested in Melbourne as part of a major operation targeting drug supply in the city.

The 51-year-old Tullamarine man was taken into custody about 7.30pm in one of the first of several raids across the city that saw a further nine people arrested.

He has been charged with trafficking and possessing methylamphetamine and cocaine, the illegal possession of a hand gun and ammunition and with dealing property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Police activity was centred around several apartments at a housing commission in Carlton. Heavily armed Special Operations group officers were involved in the raid, and in the capture of the 51-year-old, because of the threat of weapons.

In a statement, Victoria Police said addresses in Carlton, Tullamarine, Balwyn North and St Kilda were raided in synchronised warrants.

“A quantity of drugs were seized and detectives will remain at the addresses into the early hours of this morning,” the statement said.

Police told The Herald Sun the dramatic raids would put a big dent on heroin and ice in Melbourne.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Mercovich, who led the operation, hoped it would send a clear message to drug dealers.

“Tonight we have targeted a criminal syndicate which we believe is playing a key role behind drug use and volume crime within this facility and in Richmond,” he said.

About 150 police were involved in the raids.