EAST: Meth, firearms, golf bullion seized
Seven people are facing serious drugs charges over their alleged involvement in a meth trafficking syndicate in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The alleged syndicate was busted after a series of raids, where police seized methylamphetamine, firearms, gold bullion and large amounts of cash.
Detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit have been investigating alleged methylamphetamine trafficking across the Knox area since July last year.
The investigation led to eight search warrants being executed on Tuesday, May 19, at homes and storage units in Bayswater Noth, Boronia, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Chirnside Park, Mooroolbark and Seville.
During the searches, detectives uncovered approximately 800g of methylam-phetamine worth $75,000, four firearms, and gold bullion valued at $22,000.
Jewellery
Designer handbags, a watch, jewellery, two vehicles and more than $200,000 in cash – all believed to be the proceeds of crime – were also seized alongside prohibited weapons including imitation firearms, batons, tasers, knuckle dusters, knives and ammunition.
Four men and two women were arrested:
A 22-year-old man and 23-year-old woman from Croydon Hills were arrested at a home on Campaspe Drive. It will be alleged police seized more than 600g of methylamphetamine from the property worth more than $60,000 as well as half a litre of 1,4-Butandiol, almost $35,000 in cash and an Audi believed to be the proceeds of crime. Both were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking firearms and possessing proceeds of crime. The pair appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday(May 20) where they were further remanded to reappear on August 12.
A 30-year-old woman was arrested at a home on Wallace Rd, Seville. There, investigators seized the gold bullion, and almost $150,000 in cash. The woman was charged with possessing and trafficking methyl-amphetamine, as well as possessing proceeds of crime. She was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 26.
Sawn-off rifle
A 44-year-old man was arrested at a property on Connors Lane, Seville where police located a handgun, a pistol, a sawn-off .22 calibre rifle and a sawn-off shotgun. He was interviewed in relation to trafficking a drug of dependence and possessing firearms. He is expected to be charged on summons.
A 26-year-old man from Croydon was arrested in Wantirna South and charged with possess drug of dependence and commit an indictable offence whilst on bail. He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on August 28.
Two men aged 23 and 36 were arrested at homes in Boronia and Bayswater North. Both were charged with possessing prohibited weapons and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit were assisted by the Knox, Maroondah, and Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Units, the Critical Incident Response Team, Eastern Region Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, the Croydon Family Violence Unit and the Dog Squad.
Anyone with information about drug trafficking or suspicious activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Croydon Divisional Response Unit Sergeant Russell Church said: “If you make the very poor decision to distribute drugs, we will make no apologies in our relentless in our pursuit of you.
“The consequences of trafficking drugs extend far beyond an arrest; the charge carries with it a maximum prison sentence of up to 25 years and will affect future employment, relationships and your reputation. Anyone who thinks they can stay in the shadows and get away with trafficking drugs is sorely mistaken. “