MELBOURNE, VIC. — Detectives arrested 29 people after they uncovered two illegal casinos, drugs and weapons as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged manufacturing of illicit drugs.
With assistance from VIPER Taskforce officers and members of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives executed search warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill South, Box Hill, South Melbourne and Balwyn North.
During the warrants, police seized approximately $600,000, a significant quantity of casino betting chips, a large quantity of illicit tobacco and vapes, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine, which was allegedly being trafficked between Victoria and Western Australia, five kilograms of ketamine, five firearms and weapons including machetes, tasers, swords and daggers.
During the early stages of the investigation, police arrested nine people who were allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora on July 13.
A 38-year-old man, who is a Malaysian national, was charged with possessing substances, equipment or material for trafficking and handling stolen goods.
A 29-year-old man, who is a Malaysian national, was charged with offences including trafficking methamphetamine, possessing an imitation firearm, negligently dealing proceeds of crime and using false documents.
A 27-year-old man, who is a Chinese national, was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, possessing prohibited weapons and trafficking tobacco and vapes.
A 25-year-old woman, who is a Thai national, was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and having a stolen police uniform.
The four people remain in custody with the relevant authority.
Five of the nine arrested were interviewed and are expected to be charged on summons with a range of offences.
Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives uncovered a suspected illegal casino on Rosstown Road in Carnegie on August 15.
Multiple gambling rooms were set up and 15 offenders, including two staff members, were inside the venue allegedly playing illegal casino games.
They were all interviewed by detectives, released and are expected to be charged on summons with knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and person(s) found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Police executed a search warrant at a property in South Melbourne on Thursday, October 8, as part of the investigation.
A 40-year-old South Melbourne woman was arrested and has been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cocaine, negligent dealing with proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited weapon.
She was remanded to next appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 8, 2027.
Following extensive investigations, detectives executed a search warrant on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South on 20 October, where a second illegal casino was located.
Two staff members who were allegedly operating the illegal casino were arrested at the scene.
A 43-year-old man, who is a Chinese national, was charged with deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime and persons found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
He remains in custody with the relevant authority.
A 49-year-old Balwyn North man is expected to be charged on summons with deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime and persons found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Police also searched an address on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill on Tuesday, October 20.
They allegedly located cash and handwritten ledgers showing large-scale gambling occurring at the venue.
A 59-year-old Box Hill woman, who was allegedly a staff member, was arrested at the property.
She is expected to be charged on summons with dealing property suspected to be proceeds of crime and person(s) found in place provided for unauthorised gambling.
Officers located more cash and casino chips during a search warrant at a property in Balwyn North.
They also located four firearms, other weapons, a large quantity of tobacco and drug manufacturing equipment.
A 45-year-old Balwyn North woman was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with dealing property to be proceeds of crime and firearms offences.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
