MELBOURNE, VIC. — Police have dismantled an alleged syndicate trafficking drugs, peptides and firearms and importing illicit tobacco.
Investigations began last year into the alleged distribution of large quantities of cocaine, peptides and steroids, as well as firearms across Melbourne.
The alleged criminal network came crashing down yesterday, with eight people arrested during 12 search warrants across Melbourne, where police seized two dozen firearms, Eastern Region Crime Detective Inspector Mick Hanna told the media.
“The seemingly glamourous lifestyle funded by drug trafficking will come crashing down – probably when you least expect it,” Det. Insp. Hanna said.
Officers from the Eastern Region Crime Squad executed the simultaneous search warrants at homes, businesses and factories across the CBD, southeastern and northern suburbs from 10am yesterday, including:
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- Berwick
- Cranbourne West
- Docklands
- Ferny Creek
- Rowville
- Narre Warren North
- Oakleigh
- Officer
- Pakenham
- Tullamarine
Eight people – seven men and a woman aged between 23 and 58 – have been arrested and are expected to be charged with dozens of drug trafficking and firearms offences.
At the Narre Warren home, police seized a large quantity of peptides and almost 20 firearms, including handguns.
“The cash injection that trafficking drugs and other illegal substances brings will be ripped out from under you one day, and you’ll be left with nothing – except a long stint behind bars and a criminal record,” Det. Insp. Hanna said.
The Eastern Region Crime Squad was assisted by police from Southern and North West Metro Crime Squads, Special Operations Group, VIPER Taskforce, Dog Squad, and the Australian Federal Police.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
