Police continue to dismantle heroin syndicates operating in Springvale, with several key arrests this week and more than 100 people arrested over the alleged trafficking and distribution of the drug in the area since late last year.
Earlier this week, detectives from the Springvale Divisional Response Unit arrested a 49-year-old man who police will allege is one of the primary heroin suppliers in the area.
He was one of three men arrested following search warrants conducted by the Springvale Divisional Response Unit - with assistance from the Casey and Frankston Divisional Response Units and Drone Unit - on Wednesday 26 June.
Police targeted a business and a factory - both on Bando Road, Springvale, as well as a home in Keysborough - where they allegedly uncovered a commercial quantity of heroin with an estimated potential street value of $40,000, as well as approximately 250g of methylamphetamine with an estimated potential street value of $35,000.
They also located a cutting agent, almost $45,000 and mobile phones.
A Subaru BRZ allegedly stolen from Doveton, as well as documents and identification - including passports and security badges - all believed to have been stolen, were also seized from the business on Bando Road.
The 49-year-old alleged ringleader of the syndicate was arrested at a home on Princeton Drive, Keysborough. He was charged with trafficking commercial quantities of heroin and methylamphetamine.
He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday 27 June, where he was further remanded to the 19 September 2024.
Two men who were arrested at the business on Bando Road were interviewed and released pending further enquiries.
Police then executed an additional search warrant in Springvale on Thursday 27 June, where they located quantities of MDMA, methylamphetamine and cannabis.
Two men aged 33 and 28, as well as a female aged 25, were processed for possessing a drug of dependence.
The men were charged and bailed to appear in Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 1 September, while the woman was issued with a drug diversion.
Since November 2023, police have arrested and charged in excess of 100 people over the distribution of heroin and other illicit drugs in the Springvale area.
Quotes attributable to Springvale Divisional Response Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrod Dwyer:
"We have made a significant number of arrests relating to this drug in the local area; getting such a dangerous substance off our streets is something we take really seriously.
"Local police will continue to target those involved in the alleged distribution of heroin and other illicit drugs in the area, from traffickers down to those dealing in the streets.
"Dedicated operations like this will ensure we continue to drive down drug-related harm in our community."
