Detectives from the Drug Taskforce have arrested two men this week as part of an investigation into drug trafficking at a short-term rental property in the Melbourne CBD.
A warrant was executed at the Queens Road premises yesterday morning and a 35-year-old Oakleigh South man was taken into custody.
He has been charged with a number of offences including:
• Traffick cocaine;
• Traffick methylamphetamine;
• Possess equipment to traffick;
• Possess cocaine;
• Possess methylamphetamine;
• Possess traffickable quantity of firearms;
• Non prohibited person possess unregistered Cat E longarm;
• Possess unregistered general category handgun;
• Fail to securely store firearms;
• Possess cartridge ammunition without permit;
• Fail to properly store cartridge ammunition;
• Shorten barrel of a longarm;
• Possess firearm with no serial number; and
• Deal with proceeds of crime.
The man faced Melbourne Magistrates Court overnight and was remanded in custody to appear again on 21 January, 2021.
Detectives seized a number of items from the property including three firearms and ammunition, drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine, a hydraulic drug press, a significant quantity of cash, cash counting machines, and assorted drug paraphernalia.
This morning a 35-year-old Caulfield South man was arrested in Caulfield South.
He is currently assisting police with enquiries.
Crime Command Detective Superintendent Jacqueline Curran said the seizures were particularly rewarding for investigators.
“To locate and remove three firearms from the community is absolutely a win for us and shows the link between drug offending and illicit firearms,” she said.
“This also highlights the willingness of offenders to use short-term rental properties as a base for criminal activity, often with little regard for any damage that might result at that premises.
“Yesterday’s result should serve as a reminder that police are committed to identifying, investigating and arresting anyone linked to the distribution of drugs and the use of firearms in our community.”
Anyone with information about drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
