Ash Bolt
Six people have been charged after police seized around half a million dollars’ worth of drugs, $390,000 worth of luxury vehicles, and almost $200,000 cash during an investigation into alleged drug trafficking across south-west Victoria.
Detectives executed a series of sweeping raids across Geelong, Melbourne’s western suburbs and Warrnambool on Wednesday morning, following a four-month investigation into the trafficking of large quantities of methylamphetamine.
Four of the people arrested yesterday, including a 32-year-old Highton man, were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, which comes with a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.
The Highton man was remanded to face Geelong Magistrates Court on Thursday.
The other three men charged with trafficking were a 30-year-old Point Cook man, a 34-year-old Point Cook man and a 31-year-old Warrnambool man.
A 26-year-old Werribee man and a 27-year-old Werribee man were charged with possessing a drug of dependence.
A total of 10 search warrants were executed on Wednesday, March 30 in Grovedale, Highton, Point Cook, Werribee, and Warrnambool.
Through the raids, police seized 700 grams of methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of around $420,000, 38 grams of cocaine with an estimated value of $16,000 and small quantities of GHB, MDMA pills, anabolic steroids, cannabis, and testosterone.
Police also seized weapons including a handgun, pistol, two silencers, shotgun, and extendable baton, around $196,530 in cash and nine vehicles believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The vehicles included three luxury vehicles – a 2020 BMW M4, a 2014 Chrysler 300c, and a 2016 Mercedes C63 AMG Sedan – estimated to be worth $390,000.
The operation was led by detectives from Western Region Crime Squad, with support from other police units in Wyndham, Geelong and Warrnambool.
Western Region Crime Squad detective senior sergeant Matthew Kershaw said the arrests would have a significant impact on drug trafficking in the region.
“This week’s arrests have caused a huge dent in the supply of methylamphetamine across south western Victoria, with almost half a million dollars’ worth of the drug removed from the streets,” he said.
“A number of those arrested are now staring at the very real possibility of up to 25 years in a prison cell, which is a world away from the fast money and fast cars many drug traffickers foolishly think will last forever.
“As part of these investigations, we are not only focused on arresting those peddling drugs within our community, but also financially decimating anyone involved in drug trafficking, by seizing every single dollar and asset they have illegally gained.
“Victoria Police has zero tolerance for drug traffickers, especially those who prey on people who are addicted and vulnerable.
“Make no mistake – those who deliberately corrupt the safety of the Victorian community with illicit drugs will be caught and thrown before a court.”
