Two men have been charged and approximately $50,000 worth of drugs has been seized following an intensive police operation targeting drug traffickers in the Latrobe Valley.
The 10-month investigation into the trafficking of commercial quantities of methylamphetamine was led by Morwell Divisional Response Unit, with support from Caulfield Divisional Response Unit and the Special Operations Group.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Jarrah Drive, Braeside on Tuesday 22 March, seizing small quantities of cannabis, unknown pills and 1,4-Butanediol; as well as knuckle dusters, fireworks, flares and $5,312 in cash.
A short time later, detectives arrested a 42-year-old Morwell man in the carpark of shopping centre on Overland Drive, Narre Warren. During a search of the man, police located approximately 532g of what is believed to be methylamphetamine with a street value of approximately $48,000.
Simultaneously, detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Peter Street, Morwell, seizing ammunition.
The 42-year-old man was later charged with traffick large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine; traffick commercial quantity of methylamphetamine; possess methylamphetamine; possess firearm-related item in contravention of Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO); burglary; commit indictable offence whilst on bail; and contravene conduct condition of bail.
The man was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 June 2022.
During the search warrant at the Braeside property, a second man was arrested and charged with possess cannabis; possess 1,4-Butanediol; possess drug of dependence; possess prohibited weapon; and deal proceeds of crime.
The 35-year-old man was bailed to face Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 30 June 2022.
Quotes attributed to Detective Senior Constable Jake Bargwanna – Morwell Divisional Response Unit:
“Detectives have worked tirelessly for the best part of a year to track down these alleged offenders and remove hundreds and thousands of dollars’ worth of dangerous drugs from our streets.
“Illicit drugs have a devastating roll on effect throughout the entire community – from drug-fuelled violence, burglaries and thefts committed to support an addiction; to drug-related road trauma, family violence and sexual assaults.
“Police have zero tolerance for drug offenders who blatantly corrupt the safety of the Latrobe Valley community. We will continue to do everything in our power to disrupt drug offending and throw perpetrators before a court.”
