NORTH-EAST: Organised crime, gangs targeted


Victoria Police has arrested almost 30 people and seized firearms, drugs, weapons and cash following a joint-agency operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised criminal entities.
The operation focussed on the north-east of Victoria and southern New South Wales.
During the multi-agency operation – which commenced at 6am on Monday (May 4) and concluded at 12 Noon on Friday (May 8) – Victoria Police hadexecuted a total of 13 warrants, including 21 Firearm Prohibition Order compliance searches and the service of a further five FPOs, making 29 arrests and laying over 40 charges.
Police seized three firearms – including a sawn off .22 – cannabis, cocaine, methylamphetamine, GHB, steroids, knuckle dusters, an ASP baton, a sword, a machete and a quantity of cash.
Some 68 vehicles were intercepted, with State Highway Patrol impounding seven vehicles for drug and impaired driving and conducting 65 preliminary roadside drug and alcohol tests.
Operation Blue Ember is a joint operation between Victoria Police’s VIPER Taskforce, local membersm and Raptor Squads in partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.