Police have arrested 28 people during a multi-faceted operation to crack down on crime and road trauma in Wellington and East Gippsland this week.
As part of the operation, local police were joined by a range of specialist police, including Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce, Public Order Response Team (PORT), State Highway Patrol, Dog Squad, Water Police and Australia Border Force.
During the course of the operation, police conducted 10 Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches, eight drug warrants, four search warrants, and 43 firearm storage inspections across Bairnsdale and Wellington.
Throughout the operation, police seized an imitation firearm, prohibited weapons, illicit drugs, and explosives.
Among those arrested was a 40-year-old man and a 56-year-old man from Lakes Entrance after police conducted a drug warrant at an address in Lakes Entrance.
Police located and seized nine grams of methylamphetamine, 30 grams of Cannabis, 0.5g amphetamine, numerous amounts of LSD, prescription medication and fireworks.
Both men were charged with trafficking drugs, possessing drugs, possessing explosives, and dealing with property being proceeds of crime.
They will both appear at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 13 September 2023.
As part of the operation, members from local and State Highway Patrol were out in force conducting roadside breath and drug tests, as well as high-visibility patrols in the area.
Over 2000 vehicles were intercepted which led to over 39 drivers being processed for driving offences. Police also detected 10 drug drivers, four alcohol impaired drivers, handed out nine defect notices and impounded seven vehicles. Police also intercepted four people for driving on a suspended licence.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1800 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Wellington Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Mark Rossiter:
“This operation should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can fly under the radar to profit from organised crime in country towns like Bairnsdale.
“Local police will continue to focus on offenders causing harm to our community and hold them accountable for their actions and behaviours.
“These operations keep the heat on those prohibited from possessing a firearm due to their criminal history and associations.
“We will continue to lean on specialist resources such as the VIPER Taskforce to help dismantle drug syndicates and remove illicit firearms from our streets. “
