Six Arrested in Major South East Raid; Cash and Drugs Seized
In a significant crackdown on gun and drug-trafficking operations, police arrested six individuals in a series of raids conducted in the South East region. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, targeted several locations including homes in Clyde North, Cranbourne North, Narre Warren, Clyde, Berwick, and Hampton Park, as well as two factories in Hallam. The raids were executed with the assistance of the Special Operations Group and involved the cooperation of various police units including the Armed Crime Squad, Echo Taskforce, Casey Crime Investigation Unit, SD3 Divisional Response Unit, and Youth Gangs Team.
During the operation, law enforcement authorities seized approximately $100,000 in cash, as well as a range of illicit drugs such as MDMA, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and cocaine. The haul also included half a kilogram of suspected cocaine.
One of the key arrests made was a 27-year-old man from Clyde North, apprehended in Oakleigh just after 4pm on Tuesday. He has been charged with possessing a traffickable amount of firearms and trafficking a drug of dependence. The suspect has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 9th.
In addition, a 26-year-old man from Cranbourne North has been charged with drug trafficking possession, possessing a general category handgun, disposal of a general category firearm except to a licensed firearms dealer, drug trafficking in a commercial quantity, as well as other firearm and drug-related offenses. The accused is set to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 21st.
Furthermore, a 25-year-old man from Narre Warren has been charged with drug trafficking and possessing proceeds of crime. He, too, is expected to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 21st.
A 28-year-old man from Clyde will be charged on summons.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old woman from Cranbourne North and a 35-year-old man from Hampton Park have been released pending further investigations.
The coordinated efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved indicate a determined and united front against the proliferation of illicit firearms and drug-related activities in the South East. This operation is an important step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about illegal firearms to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the official website at crimestoppersvic.com.au. By working together, we can continue to combat crime and preserve the peace in our communities.
