Two men are facing up to 25 years behind bars over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking operation spanning Melbourne’s southeast, after police seized $1 million worth of cocaine during early morning raids across several bayside suburbs.
From 4am on Thursday, detectives from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from the Prahran and Mornington Peninsula Divisional Response Units – executed eight search warrants at four homes in Aspendale, Mordialloc and Parkdale; two gyms in Mordialloc and South Melbourne; a storage facility in Braeside, and a factory in Moorabbin.
Inside the storage facility, police discovered approximately 3kg of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $1 million, as well as a handgun with its serial number removed, and a pill press police will allege was being used to manufacture drugs.
During the searches, detectives also seized an imitation firearm, $175,000 in cash, and 1kg of boric acid allegedly used in the manufacturing of illicit substances.
Two men aged 31 and 35 and a 27-year-old woman – all from Aspendale – were arrested at homes in Aspendale.
Both men were charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, possessing a firearm and an imitation firearm, and proceeds of crime.
The pair was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday 27 February.
The woman was released pending further enquiries.
Police urge anyone who may have information on suspected drug traffickers to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.