By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
POLICE will seize assets and property following drug raids that resulted in four people being charged over fraud offences involving about $2 million.
During the 12-month Operation Warless, police seized more than 1500 cannabis plants worth $7 million from 13 properties in Greater Dandenong, Clarinda, Carrum Downs and Mulgrave.
On Wednesday, police followed the ‘money trail’ from the raids, charging three women and a man.
A 45-year-old Noble Park woman was charged with three counts of deception, a 40-year-old Clayton woman with two counts, a 42-year-old Clayton man with five counts and a 49-year-old Springvale South woman with two counts.
Detective Senior Sergeant Adrian Richards of Greater Dandenong CIU said police would apply for the restraint and forfeiture of nine houses to the state government. “Up to now, people think if they’re caught they may just forfeit the drugs, but we’re after the property, assets and income as well.
“It’s a resource-intensive investigation, so we’re making a conscious effort to target assets, which go to the state government’s consolidated revenue.”
He said police would provide related information to the Australian Tax Office for its own investigations. Senior Sergeant Richards said residents should report any suspicious and unusual behaviour in their street, such as irregular movements to and from vacant houses.
“We’re not naive enough to think we’re going to catch every single person but we will pursue to the nth degree those growing drugs. It’s long-term pain for a short-term gain.”
The four charged will face Melbourne Magistrates Court last Friday for a filing hearing.
