Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have this afternoon charged a fifth person as part of a yearlong investigation into firearm and drug trafficking across Melbourne’s southeast.
A 24-year-old man was arrested early this morning at his Frankston South address.
He was charged with traffick drug of dependence, prohibited person possess firearm, possess imitation firearm, possess prohibited weapon without exemption, traffick ecstasy, possess steroids and two counts of possess proceeds of crime.
A warrant was executed at the address and police subsequently seized a significant quantity of cash, a one-kilogram silver bullion, various quantities of what appear to be cocaine, MDMA and ecstasy, large quantities of various steroids, an imitation firearm and controlled weapons including a taser, an extendable baton, a cattle prod and a laser.
He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 19 October.
On Wednesday, 9 August, nine warrants were executed at residential properties in Clyde North, Cranbourne North (2), Narre Warren, Clyde, Berwick and Hampton Park as well as two factory addresses in Hallam.
A 27-year-old Clyde North man was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms and traffick drug of dependence.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 December.
A 26-year-old Cranbourne North man charged with traffick and possess drugs of dependence, possess general category handgun, dispose of general category firearm except to a licensed firearms dealer, traffick a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and other firearm and drug offences.
A 25-year-old Narre Warren man was charged with traffick drug of dependence and possess proceeds of crime.
The duo will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 November.
A 28-year-old Clyde man is expected to be charged on summons.
A 21-year-old Cranbourne North woman and a 35-year-old Hampton Park man were released pending further enquiries.
Police subsequently seized half a kilogram of what appears to be cocaine, approximately $100,000 cash believed to be the proceeds of crime as well as various amounts of what appear to be MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms and cocaine.
On Thursday, 27 July, a 32-year-old Maribyrnong woman was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms and attempt to traffick and possess drug of dependence.
She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 13 October.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
