Four Arrested in Major Bust: Illicit Firearms and Drug Syndicate Targeted in Victoria
Four people were arrested yesterday by detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad in Victoria as part of an investigation into a syndicate involved in the trafficking of illicit firearms and drugs. The arrests were made at various locations in Kingsville, Hoppers Crossing, Richmond, and Williamstown, as well as at a commercial address in Laverton North.
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The operation was carried out by police from the Illicit Firearms Squad, VIPER Taskforce, and Westgate Divisional Response Unit. The 37-year-old Kingsville man and 49-year-old Altona man were arrested in Laverton North with the assistance of the Special Operations Group. The 36-year-old Richmond man was arrested in Kingsville, while the 45-year-old St Albans man was apprehended at Melbourne Airport attempting to board a flight to Queensland.
All four individuals were interviewed by police and charged with various offences. The Kingsville man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, 1,4-butanediol, and firearms, as well as handling stolen goods and dealing with proceeds of crime. The Altona man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol. The Richmond man was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, and disposing of a firearm without a dealer’s license. The St Albans man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and 1,4-butanediol, disposing of firearms, and possessing false documents.
The Kingsville, Altona, and St Albans men were remanded in custody, while the Richmond man was released on bail. They are all expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
During the operation, police seized various items from the properties, including 1kg of methylamphetamine, 23L of 1,4-butanediol, $5000 in cash, a stolen jetski and Holden Commodore, stolen registration plates, and a crossbow from the Laverton North address. At the Kingsville address, police found ammunition, small quantities of drugs, a stolen motorcycle and Holden engine, and various other stolen goods such as coins, stamps, laptops, iPads, and driver’s licenses. A small amount of drugs, firearm equipment, and ammunition were also seized from the Hoppers Crossing address, and false registration plates were found at the Richmond address.
According to Detective Acting Inspector Amanda Cohen, this was a significant investigation that resulted in the arrest of four individuals allegedly involved in trafficking firearms and drugs. The warrants executed yesterday also led to the seizure of drugs, firearms, cash, and weapons, as well as a large amount of stolen goods. Inspector Cohen also emphasized the connection between illicit firearms and drugs and the harm they cause to the community. She urged anyone with information about illicit firearm activity to contact Crime Stoppers or make a confidential report. The investigation is ongoing.
