Detectives have arrested 29 people after they uncovered two illegal casinos, drugs and weapons as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged manufacturing of illicit drugs.
With assistance from VIPER Taskforce officers and members of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives executed search warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill, South Melbourne and Balwyn North.
During the warrants, police seized:
- a large quantity of cash – approximately $600,000 AUD
- significant quantity of casino betting chips
- large quantity of illicit tobacco and vapes
- seven kg of methylamphetamine, which was allegedly being trafficked between Victoria and Western Australia
- five kg of ketamine
- five firearms
- weapons including machetes, tasers, swords and daggers
During the early stages of the investigation, police arrested nine people who were allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora on 13 July.
A 38-year-old man, who is a Malaysian national, was charged with possess substance, equipment or material for trafficking and handle stolen goods.
A 29-year-old man, who is a Malaysian national, was charged with offences including trafficking Methamphetamine, possess imitation firearm, negligently deal proceeds of crime and use false documents.
A 27-year-old man, who is a Chinese national, was charged with possess methylamphetamine, possess prohibited weapons and trafficking tobacco and vapes.
A 25-year-old woman, who is a Thai national, was charged with possess methylamphetamine and being in possession of a stolen police uniform.
The four people remain in custody with the relevant authority.
Five of the nine arrested were interviewed and are expected to be charged on summons with a range of drugs offences.
Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives uncovered a suspected illegal casino in Carnegie on 15 August.
Multiple gambling rooms were set up and 15 offenders, including two staff members, were inside the venue allegedly playing illegal casino games.
They were all interviewed by detectives, released and are expected to be charged on summons with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and person(s) found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Police executed a search warrant at a property in South Melbourne on 8 October as part of the investigation.
A 40-year-old South Melbourne woman was arrested and has been charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possess Cocaine, negligent deal with proceeds of crime and possess prohibited weapon.
She was remanded to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2027.
Following extensive investigations, detectives executed a search warrant in Box Hill on 20 October, where a second illegal casino was located.
Two staff members who were allegedly operating the illegal casino were arrested at the scene.
A 43-year-old man, who is a Chinese national, was charged with deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime and persons found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
He remains in custody with the relevant authority.
A 49-year-old Balwyn North man is expected to be charged on summons with deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime and persons found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Police also searched an address on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill on 20 October.
They allegedly located cash and handwritten ledgers showing large scale gambling occurring at the venue.
A 59-year-old Box Hill woman, who was allegedly a staff member, was arrested at the property.
She is expected to be charged on summons with deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime and person(s) found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Officers located more cash and casino chips during a search warrant at a property in Balwyn North.
They also located four firearms, other weapons, a large quantity of tobacco and drug manufacturing equipment.
A 45-year-old Balwyn North woman was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with deal property to be proceeds of crime and firearms offences.
Anyone with information on the importation, manufacture or trafficking of illicit drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler, Clandestine Laboratory Squad:
“We are continuing to dismantle drug syndicates as we work to reduce drug related harm within the community. Uncovering these casinos and putting an end to the illegal activities taking place inside them helps get drugs and weapons off the streets.
“During the early stages of this investigation, we identified the residential properties in Carnegie and Box Hill were being utilised as illegal casinos.
“These arrests are a crucial part of our commitment to dismantle organised crime on every level. We need anyone with information on illicit drugs being imported, manufactured or trafficked to come forward.”
