By Casey Neill
A 20-strong police taskforce is tackling drug crime in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Bergin has been tasked with setting up the Southern Metro Division 3 divisional response unit.
“I think it’s fair to say that the whole division is impacted greatly by drug-related crime,” he said.
“It’s recognised that it’s a driver of a lot of your serious and volume crime.
“We’re hell-bent on targeting that.
“It’s a real focus for the division.”
The unit is based at Dandenong Police Station and will work across the three police service areas.
“Essentially, our role will be targeting drug issues across the division,” Sen Sgt Bergin said.
“I’ll also be running a fugitive team where we’ll be targeting our most wanted people who are avoiding apprehension.”
He said this would include people with warrants issued for their arrest, people who’ve failed to appear on bail, and people wanted for crime.
“They’re people we feel will still be causing harm in the community,” he said.
“We’re targeting them amongst our drug focus as well.
“Traditionally, each police service area has tackled it individually.
“This is a more collective approach, a more targeted approach.
“It will become a long-standing unit.”
Sen Sgt Bergin said the taskforce had support from Dandenong Divisional Commander Superintendent Paul Hollowood and Southern Metro Region Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill.
He encouraged residents to also get behind it and keep an eye out for signs of a hydroponic grow house or clandestine laboratories.
“We obviously rely on public information,” he said.
