A 50-year-old man is among four people arrested in a major Victoria Police operation that has reportedly dismantled an alleged million dollar organised crime syndicate believed to be responsible for trafficking large quantities of methylamphetamine and heroin.
The six-month long investigation culminated with seven weekend raids across Melbourne.
Four men were arrested and remanded as a result, including three who are now facing serious drug offences, ranging from trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine to trafficking methylamphetamine. The maximum penalty for trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs is life imprisonment.
During the raids, police seized almost $275,000 worth of methylamphetamine, heroin and 1,4 Butanediol; five firearms including semi-automatic handguns and a silencer; 13 weapons, including knives, tasers and knuckle dusters; and proceeds of crime totalling well over $750,000, including $350,000 cash, and a swathe of luxury watches, gold rings, designer handbags, and gold bullion.
Those arrested include a 35-year-old man from Brunswick, who police will allege was the leader of the syndicate; a 34-year-old man from Fitzroy; a 50-year-old man from Springvale; and a 32-year-old man from Preston.
“Local police continue to share intelligence with our counterparts in other regions and at Crime Command to cripple organised crime entities determined to line their pockets through illicit means and ultimately, to the severe detriment of the rest of the community,” said Mill Park Divisional Response Unit, Senior Constable Matt Reynolds.
