Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad have arrested 10 people this month as part of an investigation into large scale drug trafficking.
On 12 September, four men and one woman were arrested and warrants were executed at properties in Cranbourne North and Narre Warren South.
As a result of these warrants, police seized approximately 1kg of cocaine, a hand gun, ammunition, a ballistic vest, cash and a small quantity of cannabis.
Two vehicles, a Mercedes Benz and a stolen BWM, were also seized.
A 25-year-old Cranbourne North man was subsequently charged with traffick large commercial quantity of cocaine, traffick cocaine and deal proceeds of crime.
A 22-year-old Narre Warren South man was subsequently charged with traffick large commercial quantity of cocaine, traffick cocaine, possess cocaine, prohibited person possess firearm, theft of motor vehicle, deal with proceeds of crime and bail offences.
Both men were remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 17 January, 2024.
A 22-year-old Clyde North man was subsequently charged with traffick cocaine, possess cocaine and possess cannabis.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 November.
A 20-year-old Endeavour Hills man and a 20-year-old Altona Meadows woman were both interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Yesterday, five more men were arrested and search warrants were executed at a number of properties in Lynbrook, Clayton, Hampton Park, Dandenong, Somerville and Tyabb.
As a result, police seized further drugs including methylamphetamines, cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, MDMA and 1,4-butanediol, as well as a quantity of cash.
A 29-year-old Lynbrook man was subsequently charged with traffick cocaine, possess, traffick methylamphetamine, possess methyl-amphetamine and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
A 31-year-old Hampton Park man was subsequently charged with possess 1,4-Buteanediol, possess cannabis and possess cocaine.
Both men will face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court today.
A 25-year-old Clayton man was subsequently charged with possess cannabis and possess prescription medication.
He was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 7 February, 2024.
A 25-year-old Hampton Park man was bailed on an outstanding warrant to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 February, 2024.
A 25-year-old Hampton Park man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
The 12-month investigation by the Gang Crime Squad focused on alleged large scale drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, linked to former street gang members and associates.
Community members with any information about drug importations or drug trafficking are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Mitchell, Gang Crime Squad:
“These results are testament to a significant investigation over the past 12 months by the Gang Crime Squad.
“This investigation also highlights the ongoing links to high level organised crime that many street gang members have, even after they have moved on from those specific groups.
“We will continue to focus on those people and ensure their criminality is targeted regardless of what it involves.
“To arrest 10 people and seize a significant quantity of drugs is satisfying, especially alongside the seizure of the firearm and ammunition.”
