A six-month long investigation into a methylamphetamine manufacturing ring has resulted in a number of arrests in Whittlesea, Hume and Brimbank.
A total of 13 search warrants were executed in Melbourne and a total of 11 people were either charged or expected to be charged.
A warrant was executed at a large rural property in Yan Yean on Monday, January 22, where police located a large active clandestine laboratory.
Investigators searched an address in Melbourne on January 29 and seized a commercial amount of methylamphetamine, various amounts of other drugs of dependence, as well as a .45 calibre handgun and ammunition.
A commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, approximately $5000 cash, a heroin press, a large cash counting machine, a previously stolen vehicle and a small amount of heroin were seized from a Greenvale address on February 7.
Warrants were also executed at Bonbeach and Box Hill addresses.
A 38-year-old St Albans man who was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, possession of methylamphetamine, possession proceeds of crime and two counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 35-year-old St Albans man was charged with possessing heroin and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 52-year-old Yan Yean man was charged with possessing equipment for manufacture-trafficking drugs of dependence, possess methylamphetamine, cultivate narcotic plants and possessing cannabis.
A 34-year-old Greenvale man was remanded after being charged with trafficking large commercial quantity methylamphetamine and trafficking large commercial quantity heroin.
A 30-year-old Greenvale woman is expected to be charged on summons in relation to the offences of trafficking methylamphetamine and heroin.
Clandestine Laboratory Squad Detective Inspector Anthony Vella said methylamphetamine is extremely harmful and catching this large scale distribution ring is a big coup.
“This was a significant investigation which has stopped a production line of methylamphetamine from reaching Victorian streets and prevented millions of dollars of drug profit flowing back into the syndicate to fund their next criminal venture.” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
