Officers from the Mallee Divisional Response Unit, alongside detectives and general police from Swan Hill, have arrested 15 people as part of a month-long drug investigation in the state's north west.
As part of Operation Venturing, investigators executed 15 warrants over the past two days in the Swan Hill, Tyntynder and Beverford areas.
Those arrested were found in possession of a range of drugs, including methylamphetamine, GHB and ecstasy, while a number of prohibited weapons were seized as part of the operation, including a handgun.
Investigators have charged 15 people with offences including:
• A 38-year-old Swan Hill man who has been charged with possess methylamphetamine, possess cannabis, possess GHB, possess ecstasy, possess LSD, possess prescription medication, set man trap to injure and possess a prohibited weapon. He has been remanded to appear at court at a later date.
• A 25-year-old Swan Hill man who has been charged with possess methylamphetamine and breaching his parole. He has been remanded to appear at court at a later date.
• A 42-year-old Beverford man who has been charged with possess cannabis, handle stolen goods and possess cartridge ammunition. He has been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 37-year-old Beverford man who has been charged with possessing cannabis and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 51-year-old Cohuna man who has been charged in relation to outstanding warrants and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 55-year-old Cohuna woman who has been charged with possessing cannabis and bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 31-year-old Swan Hill man who has been charged with possessing cannabis and possessing cartridge ammunition. He's been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 17-year-old Swan Hill woman who has been charged with possess cannabis, wilful damage and act prejudicial in a police gaol. She has been bailed to a appear at a children's court at a later date.
• Two 31-year-old women, a 37-year-old woman and 24-year-old woman have all been charged with possessing methylamphetamine. All four women have been bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• A 35-year-old Swan Hill man was interviewed and released pending summons for possessing a category E handgun.
• A 41-year-old Tyntynder woman was interviewed and released pending summons for possessing fireworks and possessing a prohibited weapon.
• A 56-year-old Swan Hill man was interviewed and released pending summons for possessing two unregistered firearms, failing to store firearms in accordance with the regulations, cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis.
A further four people were also given drug diversions for possessing cannabis and methylamphetamine.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Pascoe said this week's arrests are the result of hard work and dedication by officers from the Mallee Divisional Response Unit.
"We know the harm caused by drugs continues to be a significant concern for members of our community," A/D/S/Sgt Matt Pascoe said.
"We want to reassure everyone that this type of offending is a key focus for police in the Swan Hill Police Service Area and we have zero tolerance for those bringing harm to the community.
"Local police will continue to work tirelessly to detect and disrupt this kind of serious offending in our community.
"Any information passed along by the community is incredibly helpful to police and we encourage anyone who has witnessed any suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au."
