General News
2 November, 2024
Police bust Wimmera drug syndicate, seize $500M worth of chemicals for meth
Victoria Police seize 10 tonnes of chemicals in Wimmera drug raid
Detectives from Victoria Police's Clandestine Laboratory Squad, with support from the Horsham Crime Investigation Unit, have dismantled a significant drug trafficking operation in the Wimmera, seizing half a billion dollars worth of chemicals capable of producing up to 5 tonnes of methylamphetamines.
A Victoria police spokesperson said detectives executed a search warrant at a 200-acre rural property in the Wimmera on Tuesday, October 29.
"More than 50 drums of precursor chemicals were located, weighing in at more than 10 tonnes, that were alleged to be used in the manufacture of methylamphetamines," the spokesperson said.
"Also seized were two unsecured firearms, ammunition and a small amount of methylamphetamines."
Detectives interviewed a 59-year-old man, who was released pending further enquiries.
This seizure is the culmination of a 20-month-long investigation into an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating within Victoria.
Since the investigation began in February last year, detectives have shut down three large commercial clandestine laboratories in Coburg North, Pascoe Vale and Monegeetta.
Police have recovered more than $1 million in stolen vehicles and motorbikes as part of a re-birthing operation, seized eight firearms, and seized commercial quantities of methylamphetamine, amphetamine and cannabis.
Eight people have been charged.
"It also includes the seizure of 6kg of MDMA, allegedly hidden in the sleeping bag of a man and woman about to board the Spirit of Tasmania at the port of Geelong on August 21," the spokesperson said.
A 44-year-old Newport man was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of MDMA and remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on November 26.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au