KEYSBOROUGH, VIC. — Police today arrested a man in Melbourne’s south-east as part of an ongoing investigation into drugs and money laundering, which has seen over $17M worth of property restrained across the state.
Detectives from the Mornington Divisional Response Unit and Criminal Proceeds Squad executed a warrant at a Scotch Avenue, Keysborough address shortly after 5.30am on Tuesday, July 21.
A 40-year-old Keysborough man was arrested at his property and will be interviewed by police.
Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad proactively commenced an investigation in 2023 after identifying an increase in the number of cannabis grow houses that had been located in the Latrobe Valley area.
Investigators were subsequently able to identify an organised crime syndicate which was linked to at least 41 cannabis crop houses dating back to 2019.
Police will allege the man arrested today had significant involvement in this syndicate.
In August 2025, Criminal Proceeds Squad detectives were able to restrain 14 properties linked to the syndicate, which were valued at approximately $17.5M.
The residential properties were located across the state in Bendigo, Morwell (5), Moe (2), Keysborough (2), Rosebud, McKinnon, Hallam and Newborough.
Police allege that the majority of properties had been used to cultivate cannabis, over long periods of time and generating many millions of dollars in profit.
The investigation into the syndicate remains ongoing, with police continuing to focus on those who have facilitated or assisted with their criminal activities.
This includes electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople, real estate agents, cleaners and accountants.
