Detectives from the Echo Taskforce located drugs and cash during a number of warrants executed this week as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking linked to the Mongols Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG).
Yesterday police executed warrants at four residential properties in Southbank, Docklands, Montrose and Reservoir.
Designer clothes, jewellery and watches believed to be valued at about $1M, cash and steroids were seized from the Southbank address, while a quantity of cocaine was located at the Montrose address.
A 30-year-old Montrose man, who is a patched member of the Mongols OMCG, was arrested and charged with traffick drug of dependence and possess drug of dependence.
He has been bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 5 November.
A 34-year-old NSW man was arrested at the Southbank address however he has been released pending further enquiries.
Today, police executed two warrants in Pakenham at a residential property and factory.
A 37-year-old Pakenham man was arrested and charged with possess drug of dependence (cannabis), possess drug of dependence (prescription medication), possess drug of dependence (steroids) and possess imitation firearm.
He has been bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 22 October.
Police also seized cannabis, steroids, prescription medication, cash and an imitation military-style firearm during this morning’s warrants.
Earlier this month detectives arrested nine people and executed 13 warrants in Cobram and Echuca as part of this investigation.
A 51-year-old man, 29-year-old man, 30-year-old man, 26-year-old man, 18-year-old woman, 25-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman, all from Cobram, were arrested on 18 July.
They have been charged with a range of drug (including large commercial quantity), proceeds of crime, firearms and explosives offences.
Two Cobram men aged 49 and 27 were also arrested, however were released pending further enquiries.
A number of items were also seized from the addresses, including cash, a cash counter, drugs including cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB, a loaded handgun, ammunition, illegal fireworks, a number of vehicles, designer clothing and computer equipment.
This month’s warrants and arrests form part of a significant investigation by Taskforce Echo into the activities of the Mongols OMCG, in particular drug manufacture and trafficking.
Anyone with information about OMCG activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Bob Hill, Crime Command:
“This operation has been running for a significant period of time and the results speak volumes to the professionalism and dedication of the Echo Taskforce members.
Most importantly police have been able undertake significant disruption activities, which potentially has curtailed crimes of violence from occurring.
The seizure of multiple illicit firearms and a high overall amount of drug seizures will no doubt have a profound impact on a number of regional communities.
These results send sent a strong message that police will continue to hold OMCGs to account for any criminal activities they are prepared to engage in.”
