PRESTON, VIC. — Preston police officers, with assistance from the Dog Squad and Transit officers, targeted drug and weapons offences, arresting 20 people in an operation targeting drug activity and weapons in Northland’s retail hub to reduce crime and provide a visible police presence in the operation which ran on October 20 and 29.
Passive Alert Detection (PAD) dogs were utilised during the operation to detect illicit drugs.
“The community deserve a safe environment whether shopping or working,” Acting Sergeant Abdul-Rahman Masri said.
The operation resulted in:
- 20 arrests, including 15 for drug possession;
- Nine weapons seized, including an imitation firearm, a baton, knuckle dusters and knives;
- 10 outstanding matters actioned; and
- Upwards of 50 people searched.
Key arrests included a 28-year-old Whittlesea man who was arrested after police allegedly located weapons, cannabis and methylamphetamine.
He was charged with possessing an imitation firearm, six counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing a controlled weapon without lawful excuse and drug offences. He was remanded to appear at court at a later date.
A 49-year-old Reservoir man was arrested after officers allegedly located knuckle dusters and cannabis, and he was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and a prohibited weapon and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
A 29-year-old Reservoir woman was arrested in relation to allegedly possessing a drug of dependence, along with several outstanding theft matters. She was charged and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
“By proactively targeting anti-social behaviour, we’re helping prevent further crime and improving safety for retailers, staff and the wider community. We know illicit drug activity and weapons offences can have far-reaching impacts on the community, which is why we’ll continue targeting those who choose to engage in it,” Acting Sergeant Abdul-Rahman Masri said.
