Police have arrested nine people and seized multiple firearms and commercial quantities of illicit drugs this week in Mildura.
The arrests come as part of Operation Durango, an extensive six-month investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate trafficking a variety of illicit drugs in the Mildura area.
The operation was led by Mallee Divisional Response Unit and supported by specialist units from Mildura including the Crime Investigation Unit (CIU), Family Violence Investigation Unit (FVIU), Sexual Offences and Child-abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT), Divisional Intelligence Unit (DIU), Technical Services Unit, Dog Squad, Air Wing, and Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).
As part of the operation, police executed six search warrants at properties across Mildura.
Police seized:
• A 12-gauge shotgun
• A rifle
• A handgun
• Traffickable quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine
• Approximately $13,000 cash,
• A stolen motorcycle and power tools
Police also seized a modified Holden Commodore valued at $60,000 which they allege was purchased and modified from proceeds of crime.
Those arrested by police include:
• A 34-year-old Mildura man was charged with trafficking commercial quantity of illicit drugs. He was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court on 6 December 2023.
• A 36-year-old Mildura man was charged with trafficking commercial quantity of illicit drugs and was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 51-year-old Mildura man was charged with trafficking commercial quantity of illicit drugs and was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 39-year-old Mildura man and 51-year-old women were both charged with trafficking commercial quantity of illicit drugs. Both were remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court at a later date.
• A 53-year-old Mildura man was charged with possess firearms whilst unlicensed, handle stolen goods, and possess drug of dependence. He was remanded to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court at a later date.
Quotes attributable to Inspector David Rowe, Mildura Investigation and Response Manager:
“Every illicit drug and firearm we remove from the streets is not only a victory against crime, but a step towards a safer community.
“Illicit firearms and drugs have devastating consequences for our community, which is why we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit for those engaging in criminal activity.
“Every action leaves a trail, and police are dedicated to following that trail right to your doorstep.”
