VIPER Taskforce charged two men after locating various weapons and ammunition, as well as illicit drugs at a Clyde house yesterday.
Detectives executed a search warrant at the residential property as part of an ongoing investigation into firearm possession and drug trafficking.
They located three firearms along with a large amount of ammunition, three silencers, two crossbows, knuckle dusters and various forms of false identification.
Various amounts of methylamphetamine, cocaine and heroin were also located as well as a stolen vehicle and about $1500 cash.
A 35-year-old Narre Warren man was charged with:
• traffick methyl-amphetamine
• possess methyl-amphetamine
• possess cocaine
• possess heroin
• possess proceeds of crime
• possess prohibited weapon
He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 26 February 2024.
A 38-year-old Clyde man was charged with:
• possess trafficable amount of firearms
• prohibited person possess firearm
• possess ammunition
• possess prohibited weapons
• possess silencer
• possess controlled weapon
• possess fraudulent ID
• theft of motor vehicle
• fraudulent use registration label
• commit indictable offence on bail
He was remanded overnight to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Yesterday’s arrests form part of an ongoing drug trafficking and firearm investigation.
Last month detectives executed a search warrant at a separate Clyde address as part of this investigation and located a large quantity of drugs, including over 300 marijuana plants, methamphetamine and heroin, as well as a large amount of illegal tobacco.
A 56-year-old Clyde man was charged with commercial cultivate cannabis, traffick commercial cannabis, possess methyl-amphetamine, possess heroin and possess prescription medication.
He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2024.
A 47-year-old Clyde woman was interviewed and released.
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 resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Anyone with information about firearms or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, VIPER Taskforce:
“To seize these firearms and related items is a great outcome for community safety.”
“Taking firearms out of the hands of criminals, and making them more difficult to obtain, are effective ways of preventing future offending and increasing public safety.”
“Rest assured, we will continue to use every power we have to prevent these criminals from causing harm to our communities.”
