Six alleged members of an organised crime syndicate have been arrested after a major Victoria Police operation allegedly led to the seizure of half a million dollars worth of drugs.
Detectives from several police squads pounced on 13 homes and storage facilities in Balwyn, California Gully, Footscray, Footscray West, Rowville, Spotswood, Sunshine North and Warburton this morning.
They allegedly seized more than $150,000 in cash, multiple stolen vehicles, ammunition and firearm parts and two kilograms of drugs including significant quantities of methamphetamine, as well as GHB, cannabis, steroids and prescription medication.
Police from the Special Operations Group surrounded a Spotswood address this morning. (Nine)
Police arrested a 35-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, a 36-year-old Rowville man, a 40-year-old Doreen man, two 34-year-old men of no fixed address and a 43-year-old Spotswood man in relation to the offences.
Footage obtained exclusively by 9News shows heavily armed police surround a two-storey townhouse in Spotswood just before 10am, demanding the occupants to “come outside with nothing in your hands”.
A man eventually appeared with his arms above his head, before crawling towards police ,who escorted him away.
No charges have been laid at this stage and the men are being interviewed by police.
The arrests form part of a major investigation into an alleged criminal syndicate responsible for trafficking drugs and firearms across Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate.
Detectives allegedly seized about half a million dollars worth of drugs, including a significant quantity of methamphetamine. (Nine)
Earlier this month police arrested another alleged associate of the syndicate during a search warrant in Ocean Grove.
Subsequent search warrants in Oakleigh and Bayswater led to the seizure of more than 340 packets of cigarettes, 109 tobacco pouches, 325 vapes, 78 illicit prescription pills and small alleged quantities of methampthemine and 1,4 Butanediol.
More than $30,000 in cash, alleged to be proceeds of crime, was also seized, as well as three allegedly stolen guitars, a fender stool and amplifier allegedly stolen during a burglary in Yarra.
The 32-year-old man was charged with several offences including multiple drug possession offences, handling stolen goods and dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear before Geelong Magistrates’ Court on 11 July.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Detective inspector Luke Kirton warned drug and firearm traffickers to “expect a knock at your door”.
Several allegedly stolen vehicles were towed during the search warrants. (Nine)
”We will track you down, and we will dismantle your operation,” he said.
“This alleged syndicate has shown complete disregard for the law and the wellbeing of the community.
“Make no mistake – Victoria Police is coming for anyone involved in this kind of organised criminal activity.”
Anyone with information about alleged drug or firearms trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.
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