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A Keysborough address was among 20 properties raided by police as part of an investigation into a “next generation” organised drug ring.
Ten men were arrested, with drugs, weapons and cash seized during the Operation Polaroid Raids across Melbourne from 5am on Monday 22 April.
The seized items included about 4 kilograms of methylamphetamine, about 2.5 kilograms of heroin, traffickable amounts of cocaine and MDMA, two pill presses and 100 hydroponic cannabis plants.
Fourteen handguns and ammunition, an SKS assault rifle and two samurai swords were also discovered, police say.
The raids were the result of an eight-month police investigation into a drug delivery model similar to food-delivery couriers throughout Victoria and interstate.
The group delivered to up to 200 of the “next tier down” of traffickers, who ordered on demand.
Detective Superintendent Deb Robertson said the arrests significantly disrupted the drug trade in Victoria.
“This is really a next generation, highly entrepreneurial group of drug traffickers who operated an incredibly mobile business.
“Yesterday’s arrests are an incredibly important outcome for us and given that this was an organised group of traffickers selling to the next tier below of traffickers, it’s almost impossible to determine just how much community harm this will prevent.
“The fact that we have also seized a number of weapons, including firearms, as part of this operation is also concerning and really highlights the damage these traffickers do in our communities.”
Any information on illegal drug trafficking to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.
