An attempted break in at a storage unit in Port Melbourne has led to the discovery of commercial quantities of illicit substances and almost half a million dollars in cash.
Police believe two people were attempting to break into the storage unit at a facility on Williamstown Road about 8.30am on Wednesday 27 May.
While investigating the alleged attempt, officers from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit located a treasure trove of drugs which led to subsequent searches at apartments in Port Melbourne and St Kilda.
In total police seized:
- Almost 12L of 1,4- Butanediol
- 1kg of methylamphetamine
- Heroin
- Ketamine
- Half a kilogram of MDMA powder
- 300 MDMA tablets
- Approximately 500 prescription pills
- Cannabis
- Magic mushrooms
Police also located weapons including a spring-loaded knife, a disassembled firearm, an extendable baton, a slingshot, an electronic stun device, a pill press, and multiple electronic devices.
Detectives also located more than $460,000 in cash, alleged to be the proceeds of crime.
A 44-year-old man and 32-year-old woman, both from St Kilda, were arrested.
The man was charged with trafficking commercial quantities of MDMA, GHB, and methylamphetamine, trafficking heroin and other drugs of dependence as well as possess prohibited weapons, dealing proceeds of crime, and making false documents.
He was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 August.
The woman was charged with possess prohibited weapon and failing to answer bail. She was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court 23 November.
Through further investigation, police identified a man believed to be the alleged ringleader of the drug trafficking syndicate who was overseas at the time of the attempted break-in.
Upon his arrival in Melbourne on Wednesday 3 June, the 44-year-old man from Port Melbourne was arrested and had his electronic devices seized.
He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking ketamine, cocaine and prescription medication, and dealing with proceeds of crime.
He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 August.
Police are appealing for information to help identify the man and woman who were attempting to break into the storage unit.
They are perceived to Caucasian in appearance, both aged in their 30s and wearing grey hooded jumpers with high-vis vests, masks and sunglasses.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au – reports can be made anonymously.
