NORTH-EAST: 18 firearms, $1m drugs, seized
Wangaratta and Cobram detectives seized four firearms and arrested five people as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged drugs and firearms trafficking in Victoria’s north-east.
Since the investigation commenced in 2023, police have now arrested 30 people, seized 18 firearms, and more than $1 million worth of illicit drugs.
Detectives from Wang-aratta and Cobram Crime Investigation Units, supported by specialist resources from the Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad and Highway Patrol, executed five further search warrants on Wednesday (May 7).
Key arrests include:
n A 32-year-old Wangaratta man was arrested and charged with traffick commercial quantity of MDMA, possess traffickable quantity of firearms, and two counts of own handgun without licence. He was remanded to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on August 7.
n During a separate warrant in Wangaratta, detectives located and seized two firearms and illicit drugs. A 36-year-old Wangaratta man was arrested and charged with traffick commercial quantity of MDMA, possess traffickable quantity of firearms, and two counts of possess handgun without licence. He was remanded to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on August 7.
n During a warrant at a property in Cobram, detectives located an imitation longarm along with other weapons, drugs, and ammunition. A 37-year-old Cobram man was arrested and charged with traffick commercial quantity methamphetamine, traffick cocaine, traffick firearms, and conduct endangering life. He was remanded to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on August 7.
Police also arrested:
n A 33-year-old Wangaratta woman was charged with traffick drug of dependence. She was bailed to appear at Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on September 1.
n A 23-year-old Cobram woman was charged with traffick methamphetamine, traffick cocaine, possess prohibited weapon (taser), and possess imitation firearm. She was bailed to appear at Cobram Magistrates’ Court on August 19.
Since the investigation launched in 2023, police have arrested over 30 people, issued 298 charges, and seized significant amounts of illicit drugs and firearms including:
n 18 firearms and large quantities of ammunition
n Over 1kg of methylamphet-amine
n More than 5000 MDMA tablets
n 49g of cocaine
n 5kg of cannabis
n Other drugs including fentanyl, steroids, Viagra, and pharmaceutical medications
Police have also recovered
20 vehicles which were stolen over the past three years. The investigation remains ongoing.
Detective Inspector Anthony Town, Eastern Region Division Four, said: “This marks one of the most substantial blows on alleged drug and firearms traffickers in our region in recent years.
“We’ve significantly disrupted an alleged criminal network operating right in our own backyard.
“This wasn’t a matter of chance — it’s the result of relentless investigative work by our detectives in Wangaratta and Cobram.
“Organised crime groups trafficking drugs and firearms have no place in our community. They put lives at risk, fuel violence, and we’re determined to stop them.
“This outcome sends a clear message – we will continue to go after those who think they can profit from harm, and we won’t stop until every link in the chain is broken.”
Pictured: File Image