Detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit have dismantled a local drug trafficking syndicate accused of distributing large quantities of methylamphetamine and GHB throughout the Shepparton region.
Following a protracted covert investigation, police arrested 10 people from Shepparton, Kialla and Tatura between 22 October and 1 December this year.
Five of those arrested have been charged with either trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine or trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, which comes with a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment for both charges.
A further four have been charged with trafficking methylamphetamine which comes with a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment.
As part of the investigation, Shepparton CIU detectives executed eight search warrants, seizing:
• 550 grams of methylamphetamine worth approximately $110,000.
• $60,000 in cash, which investigators will allege is proceeds of drug trafficking.
• Six allegedly stolen vehicles.
• Two firearms.
Among those arrested were:
• A 48-year-old Shepparton man who was arrested on 31 October and charged with 370 separate offences including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on the 7 March 2023. Investigators will allege this male was responsible for trafficking at least 1.12 kg of methamphetamines during the duration of the operation.
• A 32-year-old Shepparton female who was arrested on 17 November and charged with 181 separate offences including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. She has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on the 7 March 2023. Investigators will allege this female trafficked at least 905 grams of methamphetamines and 4.2 litres of GHB during the duration of the operation.
• A 29-year-old Shepparton male who was arrested on 31 October and charged with 65 separate offences, including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was initially remanded but was granted bail on the 23 November 2022 to appear at the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 7 March 2023.
• A 32-year-old Shepparton male who was arrested on 24 October and charged with 21 separate offences including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 7 March 2023.
• A 32-year-old Kialla male who was arrested on 22 October and charged with 12 separate offences, including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 7 March 2023.
• A 33-year-old Seymour male who was arrested on 1 December and charged with 67 offences, including trafficking methylamphetamine. He has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 9 January 2023
• A 49-year-old Kialla male who was arrested on 30 October and charged with seven offences, including trafficking methylamphetamine. He was bailed to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on the 16 December 2022.
• A 24-year Tatura male who was arrested on 16 November and charged with seven offences, including trafficking methylamphetamine. He has been remanded to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 5 December 2022.
• A 44-year-old Shepparton male who was arrested on 1 December and charged with five offences, including tracking methylamphetamine and prohibited person possess an imitation firearm. He was bailed to appear at the Shepparton Magistrates Court on 3 April 2023.
• A 37-year-old Kialla male who was arrested on 22 November and charged with two offences including possession of drug of dependence. He was bailed to face the Shepparton Magistrates Court on the 31 March 2023.
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis – Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit
“These arrests have caused a huge dent in the supply of methylamphetamine across the Goulburn Valley.
“Several of those arrested are now staring at the very real possibility of wasting the prime years of their lives inside a prison cell, instead of enjoying life alongside their family and friends.
“My message to anyone involved in drug trafficking is clear – it’s only a matter of time until your number comes up and police are coming through your front door unannounced.
“Any perception that drug trafficking leads to fast or easy money could not be any further from the truth – there is nothing easy about serving decades of your life in prison.
“As part of these investigations, we are not only focused on arresting those peddling drugs, but also financially decimating anyone involved in drug trafficking, by seizing every single dollar and asset they have illegally gained.
“We have a highly skilled team of detectives targeting those who deliberately corrupt the safety of our local community with illicit drugs and prey on people who are addicted and vulnerable.
“Police are aware of the concerns generated by insidious substances such as methylamphetamine in our local community. Police hear these concerns and for that reason, we will continue to relentlessly pursue those responsible for creating drug related harm.
“Community assistance is crucial in helping us reduce the harm drugs cause in the community. You can provide your information anonymously without fear of repercussions to Crime Stoppers.”
