Two arrested as part of drug trafficking investigation – Box Hill and Melbourne

Detectives from the Major Drug Squad have arrested two people over the past week and seized a range of drugs as part of an investigation into the trafficking of 1,4 butanediol in Melbourne.

Police executed a warrant at a residential property on Albion Road, Box Hill this morning and arrested a 27-year-old Box Hill man.

He is currently being interviewed and expected to be charged today with trafficking large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, 5 counts of attempt to traffick a large commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, knowingly deal proceeds of crime and possessing identification to commit an indictable offence.

The man will likely face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court tonight.

Detectives also seized over 1.5 tonnes of 1,4-butanediol with a street value of approximately $4.7M, almost 1kg methylamphetamine with a street value of approximately $150,000 and a significant quantity of cash.

On 4 July, a 29-year-old Melbourne man was arrested and interviewed by detectives.

He was subsequently released pending further enquiries.

The three-month investigation was conducted with the assistance of Australian Border Force.

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.auExternal Link

Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector James Sullivan, Major Drug Squad:

“The amount of 1,4-butanediol seized in particular is substantial and had the potential to cause immense and possibly fatal harm here in Victoria.

“This is often a drug of choice for users because it’s relatively inexpensive, however it’s highly unpredictable and because it works slowly in the body, we have seen a number of overdoses over the years.

“These arrests and seizures should send a strong message to the community that the targeting of drug trafficking remains a strong priority for Victoria Police, as well as our law enforcement partners.”

/Public Release. View in full here.