Caulfield Divisional Response Unit (DRU) has disrupted a significant southern suburbs organised crime syndicate following a 10 month investigation targeting the trafficking and distribution of methamphetamine.
Investigators executed simultaneous search warrants at 13 properties this morning in Chelsea, Aspendale, Hampton Park, Springvale South, Notting Hill, Dandenong, Cheltenham, Moorabbin, Seaford, Frankston, Mordialloc and Braeside (x2).
The DRU, with the assistance of Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Chelsea and Bayside local police, Kingston and Bayside Crime Investigation Unit detectives and specialist units including the Dog Squad and Divisional Tasking Unit, made 14 arrests.
Police remain at a number of properties including a suspected clandestine laboratory discovered in Industrial Drive, Braeside.
Police are still making their way through the properties, however at this stage have seized a substantial amount of methamphetamine, other drugs including heroin and cannabis, a significant quantity of cash, an imitation firearm, stolen property and drug paraphernalia.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Rix said the culmination of the operation is significant within the region and will disrupt the flow of methamphetamine on to the streets.
“Make no mistake, the arrests today have dismantled an organised crime syndicate which until now has profited from our community,” D/S/Sgt Rix said.
“What we have seen is the syndicate traffick drugs for stolen property and steal from our communities; this is not good enough and the arrests show the commitment of our members to get these people off our streets.
“Unfortunately the demand for these types of illicit substances continues to grow, so those who use and buy need to know they are contributing to organised crime.
“Whilst the operation and the warrants today have made a significant impact on the syndicate we still have more work to do and the investigation is ongoing.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Source: Victoria Police News – 15 August 2016