Police from the VIPER Taskforce yesterday arrested a man as part of their investigation into an incident which occurred during a vehicle intercept in Werribee last month.
The VIPER unit had been patrolling the area when they intercepted a black Audi Q5 in Wallace Avenue, Point Cook just before 7.30pm on 31 August.
The driver of the vehicle, a 44-year-old Werribee man, informed police his licence was suspended.
When told his car would be searched, he immediately started the vehicle and sped off, striking a police officer in the process.
The officer sustained minor injuries during the incident.
The man was arrested yesterday afternoon by VIPER Taskforce officers at a property in Mirabella Close, Werribee following a protracted search.
Police also seized a number of items from the man including quantities of drugs and cash.
He was interviewed and charged with a range of traffic and drug offences, as well as recklessly expose emergency worker to risk.
As a result of the investigation into the incident in Werribee, VIPER Taskforce members also executed a warrant at a residential property in Werribee on 2 September.
Two Werribee men, one aged 56 and one aged 42, were both charged with drug offences after police located about 50 cannabis plants at the address.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
