Detectives from the Echo Taskforce yesterday arrested four people following a series of warrants across north-west Melbourne as part of a drug investigation linked to the Nomads OMCG.
With assistance from VIPER Taskforce, three residential properties in Albanvale (2) and Sunshine were searched around 5am Wednesday morning.
Police located a clandestine laboratory at one of the Albanvale properties and will allege it was utilised for the manufacture of steroids, prescription drugs and MDMA.
A 39-year-old Albanvale woman was charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of MDMA and prescription drugs.
She was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 11 November.
A 49-year-old Albanvale man and a 40-year-old Sunshine woman were charged with possess drug of dependence.
Both were bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 3 November.
A 26-year-old Albanvale woman was released and is expected to be charged on summons.
They subsequently seized two pill presses, a significant quantity of drugs, including what appears to be approximately 1kg of MDMA, approximately 20kg of prescription drug tablets and approximately 2000 vials of testosterone.
Police believe the quantities seized will have a street value in excess of several million dollars.
It will be alleged that the four arrested were involved in the trafficking of drugs of dependence and testosterone, with links to various members of the Nomads OMCG.
The investigation commenced after consignments containing prohibited goods were detected in New South Wales by Australian Border Force officers.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Echo Taskforce:
“These results show the focus of Victoria Police on Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs and their associates at all levels throughout Victoria.
“These are groups who are historically linked to immense community harm through criminality such as drug trafficking and manufacture, as well as the use of illicit firearms.
“They will remain a continued focus of Victoria Police for this reason, and we will be targeting their every criminal activity.”
Anyone with information about OMCG or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
