POLICE have arrested nine people and seized drugs, cash, and a firearm as they targeted drug trafficking linked to the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Twelve search warrants were executed early on Sunday morning at residential and commercial properties across Echuca and Cobram.
Four men and three women – all from Cobram and aged between 18 and 51 years – have been charged with various offences that include traffick large commercial quantity of drugs, possess proceeds of crime, possess explosives, and possess drug of dependence.
Three people were remanded to appear at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, three others were bailed while one man will be charged on summons.
Two other men have been released pending further inquiries.
Among the items seized were a significant quantity of cash and a cash counter, drugs including about 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 1kg methylamphetamine and GHB, a loaded handgun and ammunition, vehicles including a Range Rover, Holden Commodore, Holden ute and a motorcycle, illegal fireworks; designer clothing, handbags, watches and jewellery and computer equipment.
Victoria Police said on Saturday about 1.50am a 51-year-old Cobram man was arrested by police on the Barooga-Cobram bridge after crossing the border into Victoria from NSW.
A search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded firearm and a significant quantity of cash.
Members of the Echo Taskforce, Armed Crime Squad, Vehicle Crime Squad, Cobram Crime Investigation Unit, Eastern Region Crime Squad, Western Regional Crime Squad and the AFP National Anti Gang Squad (NAGS) were all involved in subsequently executing the warrants.
Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, Crime Command, described the outcome as “an incredibly pleasing result”.
“These warrants also highlight the reach that these organised crime groups have across the state,” he said.
“This is the heart of country Victoria, not the suburbs of Melbourne, and is a reminder of the harm they are prepared to cause anywhere they see an opportunity.
“For many people, they may have had no idea this was happening essentially in their own backyards.”
