Three arrested in Docklands after biggest alleged steroid haul

Two men in have been arrested at apartments in Docklands after police conducted what they allege is the biggest illegal steroid seizure in Victorian history.

Police allege the men, aged 27 and 32, had been buying drugs from an overseas supplier before selling them online and through a Port Melbourne gym.

According to police, the pair were working as part of a syndicate and it’s alleged they have hundreds of customers, including those with links to organised crime.

The major bust comes after detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad had investigated the men for seven months while working closely with ACT Policing in sharing information.

Police arrested the pair at their Yarra’s Edge apartments at around 8am on December 8 with officers seizing millions of dollars of what is alleged to be illegal steroids and medication, label makers and more than $130,000 in cash. 

The haul of alleged drugs seized was so large detectives had to make a trip the next day to load the evidence into trucks, police said.

The raid by detectives and members of the VIPER Taskforce were one of five search warrants conducted across inner Melbourne including at a Port Melbourne gym where officers seized a large amount of alleged steroids.  

Another search at a property in Flemington police uncovered $45,000 in cash and a quantity of alleged illegal steroids.

The two Docklands men were charged with a string of offences including trafficking a commercial quantity of prescription medication, trafficking anabolic steroids, trafficking diazepam and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime. They both appeared at court on December 9.

A 37-year-old Docklands woman was also arrested the same morning of the raids and was charged for possessing methylamphetamine and bailed to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 26, 2024.

ACT Policing also executed warrants on December 8 and arrested several people allegedly involved in the syndicate.

Victoria Police said it would take investigators several days to “count and weigh” the drugs and cash but was estimated to be valued between $1 million and $10 million.

Further charges were expected once this occurred.

North West Metro Regional Crime Squad Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said police wanted the arrests to send a clear message to those associating with people who have links to organised crime.

“If you’re connected, even in the slightest way, the chances of your activities being detected is increased,” he said.

“This work is about limiting the networks and connections of organised crime figures. We want those causing harm in our community to feel the pressure from all angles.”

“Finally, medication should be supplied by accredited doctors and pharmacists, not personal trainers at a gym.”

Police arrest a man in Docklands after the biggest illegal steroid seizure in Victorian history. Image: Victoria Police.