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Six arrested after major police sting nets $500k gun, drug haul

Guns and drugs worth $500,000 have been seized and six people arrested after police swooped on a statewide crime network allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics.

Six arrested, meth and firearms seized across Melbourne

Guns and drugs worth $500,000 have been seized after a police swoop on a statewide crime network allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics.

Six people were arrested on Tuesday, including a 43-year-old man who was detained by the special operations group in Spotswood.

Police suspect those involved were trafficking in Melbourne, country Victoria and interstate.

Thirteen warrants were executed in an investigation led by the eastern region crime squad.

Homes and storage facilities in Balwyn, California Gully, Footscray, West Footscray, Rowville, Spotswood, Sunshine North and Warburton were raided.

Police have arrested six people across Melbourne as part of a major investigation into drugs and firearms. Source: Victoria Police
Police have arrested six people across Melbourne as part of a major investigation into drugs and firearms. Source: Victoria Police
Guns and drugs worth $500,000 have been seized. Source: Victoria Police
Guns and drugs worth $500,000 have been seized. Source: Victoria Police

Arrested were the Spotswood man, a 36-year-old from Hoppers Crossing, a Rowville man, 36, a 40-year-old Doreen man and two others with no fixed address.

They are being interviewed and remain in custody.

Investigators seized drugs, including methylamphetamine, weighing a total of 2kg, two guns, $150,000 in cash, gun parts and ammunition and multiple stolen vehicles.

An associate of syndicate members was arrested by detectives from north west metro regional crime squad earlier this month.

The 32-year-old was detained at Ocean Grove before investigators conducted raids at Oakleigh and Bayswater.

Police also seized allegedly stolen vehicles. Source: Victoria Police
Police also seized allegedly stolen vehicles. Source: Victoria Police
Police said the alleged syndicate had shown complete disregard for the law. Source: Victoria Police
Police said the alleged syndicate had shown complete disregard for the law. Source: Victoria Police

Seized were 340 packets of cigarettes, 109 tobacco pouches, 325 vapes, 15ml of 1,4 Butanediol, methylamphetamine, prescription drugs, $30,000 in suspected crime proceeds and three guitars stolen in an inner-Melbourne burglary.

The Ocean Grove man was charged with three counts of dealing in the suspected proceeds of crime, handling stolen goods, drug offences and unauthorised possession of a poison.

Detective Insp. Luke Kirton said seizure of the guns was a win for community safety.

“These firearms are not toys. They are deadly weapons, and in the wrong hands they are a serious threat to public safety,” he said

“This alleged syndicate has shown complete disregard for the law and the wellbeing of the community.

Originally published as Six arrested after major police sting nets $500k gun, drug haul

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/geelong/six-arrested-after-major-police-sting-nets-500k-gun-drug-haul/news-story/9cf62c8971ac653b1fb2359c014f578d