Trident Taskforce detectives have charged two people as part of 12-month investigation into alleged drug trafficking at a port facility in Melbourne.
Two men were arrested at properties in Port Melbourne and Point Cook this morning.
Search warrants were subsequently executed at properties in Port Melbourne, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police seized firearms, steroids, cash and a taser from the addresses.
A 31-year-old Point Cook man has been charged with traffic drug of dependence and possess steroids.
A 29-year-old Point Cook man has also been charged with possess steroids and weapons offences.
Both were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Detective Superintendent Jacqueline Curran said if employees are engaging in unlawful activity within the Maritime Security Zone they can expect to be caught, charged and brought before the courts.
“We are committed to identifying and removing people engaged in criminal activities within the maritime environment,” Det Supt Curran said.
“Those working within the Victorian Maritime industry can expect to see Taskforce Trident members around the docks on a regular basis.
“We also know there are people with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised crime groups operating on the docks and we will continue to investigate anyone found committing any offences.”
ABF Regional Commander for Victoria and Tasmania, Craig Palmer, said Taskforce Trident demonstrated the resolve of the ABF and other law enforcement agencies to detect and respond to criminality and non-compliance at Melbourne’s Waterfront.
“We know that criminal elements will attempt to circumvent border controls, which is why we routinely share information, resources and assets to support investigations such as this,” Commander Palmer said.
The ABF’s Border Watch program also plays an important role in uncovering illegal activity at the border and the ABF encourages any individual or group that identifies suspicious border activity to report it to Border Watch. Information can be reported anonymously.
Trident Taskforce is a multi-agency effort comprised of members from Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Australian Transactions Reporting and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Anyone with information in relation to drug trafficking is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
