Drug Taskforce detectives have laid further charges following the arrest of four people in Port Melbourne last week as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
A 45-year-old Port Melbourne man was found in possession of the drugs after he allegedly fled from police as they attempted to speak to him in Raglan Street just after 4pm on Tuesday, 11 February.
Warrants were executed at properties in Port Melbourne and almost $2.5 million cash along with an estimated wholesale value of just over $3.5 million worth of cocaine and meth-amphetamine were seized as part of the investigation.
The man was initially charged with traffick a large commercial quantity of drugs of dependence, possess proceeds of crime and other drug related offences.
He has now been further charged with;
• Traffick large commercial quantity of cocaine;
• Traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine;
• Possess proceeds of crime (indictable offence x2);
• Possess proceeds of crime (summary offence x2);
• Possess prohibited weapon; and
• Possess cartridge ammunition.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 6 May for a committal mention.
Police also arrested three other people last week.
A 42-year-old man from a New South Wales address and a 56-year-old woman from Port Melbourne were both released pending further enquiries.
A third man, a 42-year-old from a Port Melbourne was released and is expected to be charged on summons with firearms and weapons offences.
Detective Acting Inspector Mark Burnett from the Drug Taskforce said the results of this investigation were significant for Melbourne.
“Arrests like these highlights the fact that trafficking of drugs continues to be a major concern for police,” he said.
“Our investigators expected to locate evidence of drug trafficking and proceeds of crime, but this far exceeded our expectations.
“This is a great result to get these drugs off the street which were clearly destined for local supply in the Port Melbourne, St Kilda and surrounding areas.”
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information about illegal drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
