Staff writers
ELEVEN people were arrested last week as part of an investigation into the alleged trafficking of illicit firearms in the Latrobe Valley.
Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad seized firearms, firearm-related items, ammunition, prohibited weapons, drugs including methylamphetamine, cocaine, butanediol and steroids, and a significant amount of cash after executing 10 search warrants at properties in Moe (two), Yarragon, Trafalgar, Labertouche, Pakenham, Drouin, Warragul, Nar Nar Goon and Narracan on Thursday, November 25.
These arrests and seizures formed part of a targeted four-month investigation into a criminal syndicate alleged to have been involved in the trafficking of illicit firearms and drugs in the state’s east.
“The Illicit Firearms Squad is dedicated to removing firearms such as these from our streets and making the Victorian community safer,” State Anti-Gangs Division, Crime Command, Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham said.
“Seizing this number of firearms and firearm related items is a great outcome for community safety.
“We know illicit firearms often feature heavily in some of our most serious and violent crimes such as homicides, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and family violence offending, as well as within the drug trade.
“Rest assured, we will target those involved and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we further disrupt the trafficking and use of illicit firearms in Victoria.”
Those arrested were as follows:
• A 37-year-old Yarragon man was charged with a range of offences including traffick firearms and traffick drug of dependence. He faced Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded;
• A 63-year-old Narracan man was charged with offences including traffick firearms and cultivate cannabis. He fronted Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded;
• A 34-year-old Moe man was charged with offences including traffick firearms and theft. He appeared at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded;
• A 40-year-old Moe man was charged with firearms trafficking offences. He was bailed and will appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 13 April, 2022;
• A 40-year-old Drouin man was charged with multiple counts of traffick drug of dependence and possess proceeds of crime. He faced Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was remanded;
• A 52-year-old Warragul man was charged with possess methylamphetamine and traffick drug of dependence
• A 42-year-old Labertouche man was charged with firearm trafficking offences. He was bailed and will face Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on April 14, 2022;
• A 54-year-old Labertouche man was interviewed in relation to drug matters and has been released pending further enquiries;
• A 27-year-old Nar Nar Goon man was interviewed and released in relation to weapon offences;
• A 44-year-old Pakenham man was arrested regarding an outstanding warrant and was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 11 February, 2022; and
• A 37-year-old Moe man received a drug diversion.
Four Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) were also served.
