$4m raid

POLICE seized about $4 million worth of drugs after raiding homes and businesses in Springvale and surrounds last week.
At about 1am on 31 March, Drug Taskforce detectives seized amphetamines with an estimated street value of $4 million along with drug paraphernalia and firearms during the raids in Springvale, Skye, Cheltenham, Point Cook and Mentone.
As a result, police charged Dean Balatli, 26, and Emre Kumova, 27, both from Skye, with trafficking a large commercial quantity of illicit drugs.
They also charged Omer Sahingoz, 29, from Point Cook with trafficking a large commercial quantity of illicit drugs and firearms offences.
The three men faced an out of sessions hearing on 31 March and have been remanded in custody to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at a date yet to be set.
The men were captured as part of Operation Ridley, which was undertaken with other interstate police.
During the six-month operation, Drug Taskforce detectives seized five kilograms of amphetamines, firearms, cash and cash counters and other assorted drug paraphernalia.
Victoria Police Drug Taskforce’s Detective Acting Inspector Steve Noy said he was proud the seizure would prevent the drugs from being available on Melbourne’s streets.
“We’re working together with law enforcement around Australia to ensure Victoria’s streets are kept safe from these serious drug offenders,” he said.