VIPER Taskforce arrested two men yesterday evening after locating a clandestine laboratory in a Lara house during a Firearms Prohibition Order (FPO) compliance search.
Members of the taskforce had been at the property executing the FPO search on a 43-year-old Lara man, who is believed to be a patched member of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG).
Police located a clandestine laboratory inside the house and will allege it was utilised for the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
They subsequently seized two firearms located inside a vehicle on the property, as well as drugs, chemicals and scientific laboratory equipment.
A 43-year-old Lara man was charged with two counts of prohibited person possess firearm.
A 37-year-old Lara man was charged with traffick drug of dependence, manufacture drug of dependence, possess drug of dependence and other related faces.
The duo was remanded to face Geelong Magistrates’ Court today.
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 investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Anyone with information about organised criminal 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
