Police have arrested 21 people and seized commercial quantities of methylamphetamine and GHB, illicit firearms and stolen vehicles.
The arrests follow a yearlong operation led by detectives from the East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit, targeting an alleged drug trafficking network operating across Victoria and NSW.
The first arrests commenced on 24 October, when detectives and specialist units including the Critical Incident Response Team executed over 20 warrants throughout Victoria, including Melbourne, Bairnsdale, Mallacoota, Sale, Swan Reach and Warrnambool. Bega Criminal Investigation Branch (NSW Police) also provided support conducting a search warrant in Eden, NSW.
As a result of the warrants, police seized:
• Traffickable quantities of methylamphetamine, GHB and cannabis
• Traffickable quantities of illicit firearms and imitation firearms
• A taser and pepper spray
• Stolen items including, cars, jet ski, trailer and power tools
• Cash and false identity documents
• Police also located a hydroponic cannabis set-up
Among those arrested include:
• A 51-year-old Bairnsdale man was charged with traffick commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, traffick cannabis, traffick GHB, possess commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and GHB, multiple counts of burglaries, theft, handle stolen goods, and evading police in a motor vehicle. He was remanded to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 5 March 2024.
• A 32-year-old Bairnsdale woman was charged with traffick commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and GHB, and possess a commercial quantity of methamphetamine and possession of GHB. She was remanded in custody to appear at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 6 March 2024.
• A 50-year-old Payneville man was charged with possess traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms, two counts of prohibited person possess firearm and unregistered firearm, unlicensed person fail to store firearm in secure manner, handle stolen goods, possess prohibited weapon, possess cannabis, and possess hashish. He was bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 20 March 2024.
• A 31-year-old Eastwood woman was charged with traffick and possess methylamphetamine. She was bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 20 March 2024.
• A 44-year-old Mallacoota woman was charged with traffick methylamphetamine, handle stolen goods and possess proceeds of crime. She was bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 20 March 2024.
• A 43-year-old Mallacoota man was charged with possess methylamphetamine, cultivate cannabis, and firearms offences. He was bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 20 March 2024.
• A 41-year-old Nicholson man was charged with traffick methylamphetamine, and various bail offences. He was remanded to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on 29 November 2023.
Further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Mehlert, East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit:
"We have seized a significant quantity of illicit substances over the past few weeks, including methylamphetamine.
"This has caused a major dent to the illicit drug trade across Gippsland, and we would like to thank the community for their assistance throughout the investigation.
"Victoria Police will remain resolute in our commitment to come down hard on those trafficking drugs.
"For those involved in trafficking commercial quantities of drugs, a maximum sentence of 25-years behind bars is a stark reminder of the risk you run."
