Detectives from the Frankston Crime Investigation Unit have arrested 26 people and seized guns, drugs, and weapons as part of Operation Washed last month.
The investigation commenced in February after local police identified an increase in criminal activity around short-stay accommodation and licensed premises in Frankston, Seaford and Carrum Downs.
To date, 26 people have been arrested as part of the operation for various offences including drug trafficking, drug possession, weapon possession, firearms offences, possession of proceeds of crime, contravening court orders, assaults, driving offences, and bail act offences.
Notable arrests include:
– A 35-year-old Botanic Ridge man located near a licensed premises in Seaford allegedly in possession of imitation firearms, knives, nunchuks and drugs of dependence on 1 March.
He was charged with four counts of possess imitation firearm, two counts of possess prohibited weapon, possess dangerous article, possess controlled weapon, possession of cannabis, three counts of assault police and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
He was bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 15 July.
– A 30-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man, both from Bayswater North, following a vehicle search near a licensed premises in Seaford on 11 March.
The search allegedly located a firearm, drugs, weapons and proceeds of crime.
The woman was charged with five counts of possession of a drug of dependance, three counts of negligently deal with proceeds of crime and possess dangerous article in public place.
She was bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 29 July.
The man was charged with possession of an unregistered handgun, possess methylamphetamine, three counts of possess prohibited weapon, two counts of possess controlled weapon and one count of deal property suspected to be proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 12 July.
– A 34-year-old Carrum Downs man who was arrested following a search warrant at a short-stay accommodation room in Seaford on 27 April.
The search allegedly located drugs, cash and other items suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The man was charged with offences including trafficking drugs of dependence, six counts of possession of a drug of dependence, possess proceeds of crime, theft, and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 1 June.
The operation is continuing with police actively targeting people frequenting these premises and the surrounding areas for the purpose of conducting criminal activity.
Anyone with information regarding illegal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Constable Jarryd Gray, Victoria Police:
“Our local licensed premises and surrounding areas should be a safe place for all patrons and members of our community,” he said.
“There are increased penalties for the possession of weapons around licensed premises and there is no excuse for bringing them to these locations.
“If you think you can come to these areas and engage in criminal conduct, think again. We will find you and will not hesitate to being you before the courts.”
