Two men charged after Porsche and luxury items found

Two Southbank men are among nine people charged after $750,000 in cash, drugs, and swords were seized in police raids following an alleged drug ring investigation.

Victoria Police allege the group had been selling large commercial quantities of methylamphetamine and heroin across Melbourne, with the major investigation having begun in September last year.

Detectives raided two Southbank properties on July 17, seizing luxury bags and jewellery believed to be valued at more than $100,000, as well as a 2018 Porsche Macan and a small heroin press found in the car.

A 34-year-old Southbank man believed to be the alleged leader of a drug syndicate was arrested and charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of methylamphetamine and heroin.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

A 28-year-old CBD woman was also arrested and charged with possessing various drugs of dependence after search warrants were executed over a five-day period from July 10 to 14 at properties in Albion, Braybrook, and Kalkallo, resulting in five arrests.

The woman was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 2.

Further search warrants were executed at properties on February 24 including Southbank, Deer Park, St Albans, and Braybrook where police seized drugs and articles used in the preparation of drugs of dependence for sale and about $400,000 in cash.

A 32-year-old Southbank man has since been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 17.

During a raid at a St Albans property on February 24, police found and seized a loaded handgun, ammunition, an imitation handgun, and quantities of what police allege appear to be heroin and methylamphetamine, as well as six Samurai swords, luxury bags and cigarette lighters, and about $50,000 cash.

The raids, which included suburbs across Melbourne, are part of an investigation by detectives from the Major Drug Squad into alleged drug trafficking by an Asian organised crime syndicate.

Police are continuing their investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au •

Caption: Police seize two vehicles. Images: Victoria Police.