By Casey Neill
Twenty wanted criminals are off the streets, thanks to the new Divisional Response Unit (DRU).
Detective Senior Sergeant John Bergin established the 20-member unit at Dandenong police station in late August to tackle drug crime and fugitives in Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
“Since we’ve started, we’ve picked up 20 persons of interests with outstanding warrants,” he said.
“A significant amount of them are from what’s appeared in the paper, 11 of them.”
The crew has also hit drug trafficking hard.
Police executed a warrant at a home in Ambrie Crescent, Noble Park, on Thursday 6 October.
They uncovered a large quantity of ice, cannabis and a firearm, and charged a 27-year-old man with trafficking and possessing drugs of dependence and possessing a prohibited weapon.
On Thursday 13 October, they executed warrants in Carlisle Road, Hallam, and uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine and illegal prescription medication.
They charged a 22-year-old man with possessing and trafficking drugs of dependence.
The following day, a warrant executed in Buckley Street, Noble Park, found heroin, cannabis, an imitation firearm and an “offensive weapon”.
A 31-year-old man will answer charges of trafficking and possessing drugs of dependence, and possessing prohibited weapons.
Det Sen Sgt Bergin encouraged residents to keep an eye out for signs of cannabis-producing, hydroponic grow houses and clandestine laboratories, generally used to manufacture ice.
“We obviously rely on public information,” he said.
He said observed patterns of times, dates, descriptions of cars, registrations, suspects and addresses could help police.
“I think it’s fair to say that the whole division is impacted greatly by drug-related crime,” he said.
“We’re hell-bent on targeting that.”
He urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
