VIPER Taskforce yesterday arrested six people and seized drugs, cash, prohibited weapons and a gel blaster as part of an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in north west Melbourne.
Police searched a residential property in Keilor Downs on Tuesday morning and seized over 75 items, including a large quantity of sealed bags containing what is believed to be cannabis, sealed bags containing what is believed to be cocaine, a significant quantity of cash, prohibited weapons, a gel blaster and an explosive device.
A 44-year-old Keilor Downs woman was charged with traffick cannabis, possess cannabis and deal property suspected proceeds of crime.
She was bailed to face Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 17 January 2023.
A 22-year-old Keilor Downs woman was charged with traffick cannabis, possess cannabis, deal property suspected proceeds of crime and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 21-year-old Keilor Downs man was charged with traffick cannabis, possess cannabis, possess imitation firearm, possess prohibited weapon, possess controlled weapon, deal property suspected proceeds of crime and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
The duo was remanded to face Sunshine Magistrates’ Court today.
A 17-year-old Keilor Downs boy was charged with traffick cannabis, possess cannabis, possess drug of dependence, possess prohibited weapon, deal property suspected proceeds of crime and unlawful possession of explosive device.
He will appear before a children’s court at a later date.
A 20-year-old Kurunjang woman and a 16-year-old Belgrave girl were both released and are expected to be charged on summons.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Anyone with information about organised criminal or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
