Gang Crime Squad detectives have today charged three men following a year long investigation into drug and firearm trafficking linked to organised crime syndicates.
With assistance from the Echo Taskforce and North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, warrants were executed at three residential addresses in Lalor, Wollert and Thomastown at 5am this morning.
A 23-year-old Lalor man was charged with a range of offences, including prohibited person possess firearm, acquire traffickable quantity of firearms, attempt to dispose of traffickable quantity of firearms, dispose category A or B longarm except licenced firearms dealer, possess firearm with no serial number, unlicensed person fail to store firearm in secure manner, eight counts of traffick cocaine, traffick methylamphetamine, drive whilst suspended and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 15 February.
A 58-year-old Thomastown man, believed to be a patched member of the Mongols OMCG, was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, handle stolen goods, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess firearm with no serial number, possess imitation firearm, two counts of possess prohibited weapon without exemption and dispose category A or B longarm except licenced firearms dealer.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 13 July.
A previously stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle and two samurai swords were also seized at the Thomastown address.
A 23-year-old Wollert man was charged with two counts each of traffick cocaine, possess cocaine and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 11 March.
Police will allege the two 23-year-old men have links to Middle Eastern organised crime.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on illicit drugs or firearms involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Paul Gilmour, Gang Crime Squad:
“Once again, these results highlight how often we see firearms offences occurring in conjunction with drug offences.
“Victoria Police will continue to cripple organised crime entities determined to line their pockets through illicit means and ultimately, to the severe detriment of the rest of our community.
“Our enforcement activities will not stop and we will ensure that these criminal syndicates are strongly and deliberately targeted.”
