Detectives have arrested 40 people and issued 129 charges following a week-long operation across Geelong targeting illicit firearms, drug trafficking and persons of interest with a propensity for violence.
During the course of last week, police swarmed properties across the Geelong region, including in Geelong, Lara, Corio, and Norlane.
As part of the operation, Local Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and Divisional Response Unit (DRU) detectives were joined by a range of specialist police, including Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce, which targets outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs), organised crime gangs and street gangs. State Highway Patrol were also involved.
Police conducted 53 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPO) searches, nine drug warrants, and five search warrants between 6 and 10 February, with local Rebels Outlaw
Motorcycle Club (OMCG) members among those targeted.
Throughout the operation, police seized approximately:
• Prohibited weapons, including imitation firearms and tasers
• 15 grams of methylamphetamine, with an estimated worth of $5250
• 20 grams of cannabis with an estimated worth of $500
• Two grams of heroin with an estimated worth of $700
• 1000 Xanax tablets, with an estimated worth of $15,000
• Two grams of MDMA with an estimated worth of $400
• 100ml of 1,4 Butanediol with an estimated worth of $2000
Among those arrested were:
• Two members of the Rebels OMCG were arrested on Tuesday 7 February by officers from the VIPER Taskforce and Geelong CIU in relation to an alleged serious assault outside an adult entertainment venue in Geelong on December 16, 2022. Police executed a search warrant at a Lara property, seizing an imitation firearm, ammunition, steroids, and stolen numberplates. A 33-year-old Lara man was arrested and charged with assault resulting in serious injury, possess imitation firearm, handle stolen goods, and possess drug of dependence (steroids). He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 8 May 2023. Police also arrested a 28-year-old man in relation to this matter after conducting a FPO search at his address in Lara. The man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries regarding serious assault.
• On Monday 6 February, police executed a drug warrant at a Geelong address, where they allegedly located five grams of methylamphetamine and 1,4 Butanediol. A 35-year-old woman from Geelong was arrested and charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, possess methylamphetamine and cannabis, possess proceeds of crime and handle stolen goods. The woman was remanded to appear at the Geelong Magistrates Court on 6 March 2023.
• On Tuesday 7 February, police conducted a FPO search at a property in Norlane and arrested four people including:
o A 48-year-old man who is expected to be charged with possess prohibit weapon (three tasers). He was released pending summons.
o A 38-year-old man charged with possess imitation firearm. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates on 7 February 2023.
o A 26-year-old woman charged with numerous thefts, handling stolen goods, and assault police. She was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on 15 February 2023.
As part of the operation, members from State Highway Patrol also targeted serious and organised crime entities on Geelong roads.
This led to four vehicles being impounded, four people found driving on a suspended licence, one drug driver detection, two defect notices being issued, and one offender processed for evading police.
Since they were introduced in May 2018, Victoria Police has issued over 1788 FPOs across the state.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Leigh Howse, VIPER Taskforce:
“This operation is a timely reminder that VIPER can and will deploy anywhere in the state to support police in the regions.
“If you’re involved in organised crime and think regional Victoria is a safe haven, think again. Local police and specialist units such as VIPER will come knocking on your door uninvited and make it as difficult as possible for you to commit criminal activity.”
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie, Geelong Crime Investigation Unit:
“There was a significant degree of enforcement across the Geelong region last week, with local police and specialist units working hand in hand to keep firearms out of the hands of local OMCG members and those with a history of serious violence.
“These operations will continue to keep the heat on those prohibited from possessing a firearm due to their criminal history and associations.
“The safety of the community is our number one priority and make no mistake – we will continue to come down hard on people who think they can get away with criminal activity, including drug trafficking or illegally possessing a firearm.
“Victoria Police regularly perform compliance checks on individuals subject to an FPO, and if caught with a firearm, the consequences could see you facing up to 10 years behind bars.”
