Police from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit (DRU) have dismantled a major drug syndicate operating in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, arresting four following a four-month long investigation.
Police executed six search warrants at residential addresses in Elwood, St Kilda and Mentone with a further two search warrants executed on a Black Ford Ranger and Grey BMW Sedan. On top of the four people arrested, police also seized approximately 700 grams of what is alleged to be cocaine with an estimated street value of $300,000.
Other items seized include:
• Approximately three kilograms of what is alleged to be cocaine in oil/resin form with an estimated street value of $10,000
• Glassware and chemicals used to manufacture a drug of dependence
• Nine cannabis plants with an estimated street value of $35,000
• Approximately $115,000 cash
• A small amount of what is alleged to be ketamine
• A small amount of what is alleged to be methamphetamine
• Two imitation firearms
• Weapons including two prohibited knives, knuckle dusters and a taser
• Several electronic devices including mobile phones and storage devices
A 23-year-old St Kilda male was arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine, the manufacture of a commercial quantity of cocaine, possession of equipment and material for the manufacture and trafficking of a drug of dependence, possession of cocaine and dealing with the proceeds of crime among other drug related offences.
He has been remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 March 2022.
A 35-year-old Mentone male was arrested and charged with cultivating a narcotic plant, trafficking cannabis, possession of cannabis, two charges of the possession of an imitation firearm, three counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a controlled weapon, possession of explosives, dealing with the proceeds of crime, possession of equipment to manufacture a drug of dependence.
He has been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 25 March 2022.
A 25-year-old Elwood male was arrested and charged with cultivating a narcotic plant, trafficking cannabis, possession of cannabis, dealing with the proceeds of crime, possession a drug of dependence.
He has been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 12 May 2022.
A 24-year-old Elwood female was arrested and charged with the possession of cannabis.
She has been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 11 May 2022.
Prahran detectives were assisted by the State Surveillance Unit, Clandestine Laboratory Squad, the Dog Squad, the Caulfield DRU, Stonnington Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), the Port Phillip CIU and the Prahran Front Line Tactical Unit.
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Moreland:
"Police will not sit idle in relation to drug crime. The serious and negative impact illicit drugs have on our community cannot be understated, contributing to road trauma, drug fuelled violence and family violence."
"Police will continue to crack down on those seeking to make a quick buck dealing drugs by arresting offenders, putting them before the courts and holding them account for their selfish actions."
"Yesterday's results highlight the collaborative effort of units across the state, who work together to gather and share intel that ultimately lead to police thwarting major drug syndicates."
