Detectives from Darebin Crime Investigation Unit have arrested seven people and seized drugs and cash as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate involved in the alleged trafficking of illicit drugs.
With the assistance of the Special Operations Group, Critical Incident Response Team and Major Drug Squad, six warrants were executed yesterday at residential addresses in Kingsbury, Bundoora (3), Epping and Thomastown.
Police seized a large quantity of heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, GHB and amphetamine, more than $50,000 cash, five cars, high-end watches and designer handbags from the Bundoora addresses.
A loaded handgun, ammunition, prohibited weapons, money laundering equipment and approximately $40,000 cash were seized from the Thomastown address, as well as a large quantity of what is suspected to be ecstasy from the Epping address.
The investigation commenced in January 2023 targeting the distribution of heroin and methylamphetamine in the northern suburbs.
The drugs seized during this operation have an estimated street value of over $1M.
A 39-year-old Bundoora man, a 33-year-old Bundoora woman and a 64-year-old Bundoora woman have been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, possess property suspected proceeds of crime and firearms offences.
They have all been remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
A 35-year-old Broadmeadows man has been charged with possessing a drug of dependence.
He was remanded overnight and will also appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
A 31-year-old Epping man, a 27-year-old Bundoora man and a 52-year-old Bundoora man were interviewed by detectives and released pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about organised criminal or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Armstrong, Darebin Crime Investigation Unit
"Heroin is a major driver of crime in these areas and we will continue disrupting syndicates like this to keep our community safe.
"As a result of this operation, a significant quality of drugs is off the streets and we are sending a strong message to organized crime. We will target people involved in trafficking illicit drugs and hold them to account"
