Investigators from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit have concluded a six-month drug trafficking investigation, arresting four people, and taking nearly five kilograms of illicit substances, firearms and prohibited weapons off the streets.
On Friday 29 July, detectives executed a search warrant at a residential address in St Kilda where they located several explosive devices with remote detonation capability.
The Arson and Explosive Squad attended the scene where they assisted the Bomb Response Unit in safely disabling the devices.
Once able to continue their search, police allegedly uncovered:
– Approximately two kilograms of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $210,000
– Approximately one kilogram of what is alleged to be cocaine with an estimated street value of $200,000
– Approximately one kilogram of what is alleged to be heroin with an estimated street value of $90,000
– Approximately $58,000 cash
– Two explosive devices with remote detonation capability
– A rocket propelled grenade launcher
– A pen pistol
– A sawn off shotgun
– Approximately 2200 rounds of various ammunition
– Several prohibited weapons including knives and knuckle dusters
– Five ballistic vests
Following the discovery, a further three simultaneous search warrants were executed on the same day at residential addresses in Caulfield North, St Kilda East, and Richmond where police arrested four and seized:
– Approximately one kilogram of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine with an estimated street value of $105,000
– Approximately $33,800 cash
– Traffickable quantity of 1,4 Butanediol
– A ballistic vest
A 43-year-old Richmond man was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, dealing with the proceeds of crime, the possession of explosive substances, the possession of an unregistered firearm and the possession of multiple prohibited weapons.
A 45-year-old St Kilda East man and a 35-year-old St Kilda East woman were arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, the possession of an explosive substance, prohibited persons in possession of a firearm and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
All three have been remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 October.
A 43-year-old Caulfield North woman was arrested and charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and the possession of explosive substances.
She has been bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 October.
Quotes attributed to Acting Inspector Dean Grande:
“Over the last six months, Caulfield police have worked around the clock to dismantle an alleged drug trafficking network operating across Melbourne’s south-east.
“If these drugs or firearms had made it into the community, they would have caused untold damage. Instead, they will be destroyed without reaching a single drug user and destroying anyone’s life.
“There are dire, life-changing repercussions associated with drug trafficking, including significant years in a prison cell and the seizure of all assets.
