A string of warrants across the outer east has resulted in the arrests of nine people believed to be connected to an organised crime syndicate allegedly trafficking firearms and drugs.
People from across Lilydale, Boronia, Kilsyth South, Ringwood North, Burwood East, Vermont South, The Basin and Scarsdale were detained after the early morning raid on Tuesday 30 January.
Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad with help from VIPER Taskforce, Armed Crime Squad, Vehicle Crime Squad, Croydon Divisional Response Unit and the Yarra Ranges, Ballarat and Maroondah Crime Investigation Units conducted the operation.
Officers from the Special Operations Group arrested a 41-year-old Lilydale man without incident in the early hours of Tuesday morning at his Lilydale home.
A further eight people were also arrested, including a Burwood East man, 42, two Boronia men, 23 and 24, a Kilsyth South man, 23, a Ringwood North man, 53, and a Scarsdale man, 39.
A Vermont South woman, 29, and man, 50, were also arrested in relation to separate offending.
Police said six firearms, ammunition, various quantities of cannabis and cash were located at the searched premises.
Illicit Firearms Squad Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald said anyone in possession of an illicit firearm should use the permanent firearms amnesty to surrender weapons without consequences.
“The job of the illicit Firearms Squad is to make the community safer through targeted operations regarding offending such as firearms trafficking and manufacture,” Inspector Macdonald said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent access to and the use of illicit firearms, particularly by groups and criminals involved in serious and organised crime.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
