Police have arrested 21 people overnight and seized cash, drugs, alcohol, gaming tables and equipment after uncovering an alleged high end illegal casino operating out of a factory in Truganina.
Detectives from the Westgate Divisional Response Unit have been investigating the alleged illegal casino which led to a major police operation overnight.
It’s alleged the casino, which required a minimum $8000 buy-in to attend, has been operating weekly without a licence. Police understand as many as 50 patrons attending per night frequently this year.
It’s alleged an unlicenced bar was serving alcohol, while attendees were also in possession of drugs while inside the premises.
A planned search warrant was conducted at the factory in Truganina overnight, with police seizing drugs and cash.
A 35-year-old Truganina man, the alleged operator of the casino is expected to be charged on summons with conducting unauthorised gambling, advertising unauthorised gambling, selling liquor without a licence, consuming liquor on unlicensed premises and having liquor on unlicenced premises.
The remaining patrons are expected to be charged with being inside an unauthorised gambling premises, consuming liquor on unlicensed premises as well as drug possession offences.
Westgate Divisional Response Unit were supported by the VIPER Taskforce, Public Order Response Team, State Liquor Unit, Dog Squad, Drone Unit and Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission last night during the search warrant.
Police continue to work in collaboration with the Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission to enforce the rules in the liquor and gambling industry.
Conducting unauthorised gambling is a serious offence under the Gambling Regulation Act and carries a penalty of two years imprisonment or a $192,000 fine.
Anyone with information about illegal gambling should contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Westgate Police Division Inspector Scott Colson:
“The Westgate Divisional Response Unit has been running an ongoing investigation into the activities of this clandestine casino, where we will allege a range of criminal offences, including drug trafficking and firearm possession, have been committed.
“Our investigation concluded last night, as local detectives, the VIPER Taskforce, State Liquor Unit and Public Order Response Team executed a warrant which led to the arrest of XX people.
“When significant quantities of cash are seized from organised crime syndicates, we know this deals a hammer blow to their ability to fund further illegal activity.
We’ve put a stop to a large amount of money ending up in the hands of the wrong people, which could have then been used for further criminal offending in the community.
“If you are involved in any kind of organised criminal activity, make no mistake, we have our eyes on you.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure drugs and firearms don’t end up on our streets and those pushing illegitimate business or organised criminal activity are held to account.”
