A drug trafficking and crime syndicate has been dismantled in the east after properties across Lilydale, Croydon and Ringwood, among others, were raided by police.
The five-month joint investigation into an alleged organised crime syndicate saw the arrests of six people, the seizure of imitation firearms, and the uncovering of approximately $350,000 worth of illicit drugs along with more than $60,000 in cash on Tuesday 22 July.
Ten simultaneous warrants were executed at residential and commercial properties in Croydon, Lilydale, Ashburton, Glen Iris, Huntingdale, Vermont, and Ringwood.
The crime syndicate was allegedly involved in trafficking large quantities of methylamphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA throughout metropolitan Melbourne.
Two men, including a 47-year-old from Croydon and a 22-year-old from Ashburton were arrested by the Special Operations Group in Glen Iris. Both have since been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine – a serious offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Both men were also charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. The 47-year-old Croydon man was additionally charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms. They were both remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A 20-year-old Glen Iris man was also arrested, with police later seizing 1kg of cocaine. He was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A 35-year-old Ringwood man was arrested following a warrant in Ringwood. He was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine. He was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
A 52-year-old Vermont man was arrested and charged with permitting premises to be used for trafficking drugs, possessing a drug of dependence, including cannabis, methylamphetamine, MDMA, 1,4 Butanediol, and possession of 15 imitation firearms. He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates Court on 26 August.
A 23-year-old man was arrested in Glen Iris and charged with failing to comply with direction and possessing methylamphetamine. He was bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates Court on 23 September.
The operation was led by detectives from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit, Eastern Region Crime Squad, Eastern Region officers, with support from the Special Operations Group and Dog Squad, and Australian Border Force (ABF).
Eastern Region Division Two Detective Inspector Glen Cruse said this outcome was the result of months of “dedicated work”.
“The seizure of 1kg of illicit drugs, along with firearms, is a great result for our local community,” he said.
“This operation is about more than just shutting down an alleged drug trafficking network – it’s about reducing the broader ripple effect these substances have on families, road users, and the wider community.
“Disrupting the supply chain at the source is one of the most effective ways we can reduce this harm and keep our communities safe.”
