Drugs, weapons seized in organised crime bust

Victoria Police seized a range of illicit drugs and weapons allegedly linked to organised crime when they raided two properties in Docklands and Newport last month.

A commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, other illegal drugs and a stash of “taser pens” have been seized from a Docklands residence in a raid carried out last month, with a linked bust at Newport netting more drugs and an array of weapons, including a loaded revolver, police say.

Detectives from the VIPER taskforce, which tackles gangs and organised crime, had received a tip-off relating to a Newport residence last December that led to them also executing a warrant at Docklands, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

The January 19 raids in both suburbs, executed as part of an investigation into firearms trafficking linked to serious and organised crime, resulted in detectives seizing body armour, OC spray, a gun, cash, drugs, weapons, Rolex watches and the taser pens – an electroshock weapon that is prohibited without a permit in Victoria – from the two residential addresses.

They also charged a 31-year-old Newport man, who was remanded in custody to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A search of the Docklands address had located a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, traffickable quantities of cannabis, ketamine, cocaine and MDMA and 20 taser pens as well as two Rolex watches, a quantity of cash and varying quantities of Xanax, Oxycodone, Valium, ecstasy and other prescription drugs, police said.

At the Newport property they had found a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, a loaded Colt 41 revolver with six rounds of .41 calibre ammunition, 12 cans of capsicum spray, five body armour vests, varying quantities of GHB, steroids, MDMA, a doctor’s stamp and various knives and knuckledusters.

The Newport man has been charged with more than two dozen offences, including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking in drugs of dependence, possession of an unregistered handgun, dealing with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime and failing to assist police under warrant.

A 25-year-old man from Brighton and a 25-year-old woman from Sandringham who turned up at the Docklands property while it was being searched were found to have been carrying a flick knife and homemade taser, and Xanax tablets, respectively, police said.

Police expected to charge the pair.

Police officers appealed to anyone with information on illicit firearms or drugs linked to serious and organised crime to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at crimestoppersvic.com.au •