Detectives from Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit, Divisional Response Unit and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce conducted Firearm Prohibition Order searches and warrants at 21 homes from Monday, March 10 to Saturday, March 15.
The operation targeted individuals subject to Firearm Prohibition Orders, persons of interest and outstanding warrants.
Under a FPO, a person is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm-related items such as ammunition.
Throughout the operation, police seized a traffickable quantity of cocaine, valued at over $80,000, about $10,000 in cash and two stolen motorbikes.
“Regional Victoria is not immune to serious and organised crime,” Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said.
“Organised crime networks often believe they can operate under the radar in regional areas, but we are proving that’s simply not the case.
“By combining local intelligence with specialist resources, we are ensuring that every part of Victoria, including Greater Shepparton, remains a tough environment for criminals to operate in.”
VIPER Taskforce Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Pearson said taskforce officers would continue to work alongside local police and be out in force in regional areas to target those involved in organised crime.
“These operations are all about cracking down on crime and ensuring the safety of the community,” he said.
“We hope our highly visible presence last week sent a clear message that crime will not be tolerated anywhere in this state.”
Police arrested 12 people, including:
- A 38-year-old Shepparton man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine after about 280g worth about $70,000 was seized during a search warrant. He was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in March.
- A 43-year-old Tatura man was arrested in relation to six outstanding warrants. Police seized about 24g of cannabis, 20ml of GHB and knuckle dusters, charging him with possessing a drug of dependence, possessing a prohibited weapon, going equipped to steal and possessing proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in July.
- A 37-year-old Mooroopna man was arrested after police found an allegedly stolen motorbike at his address. He was charged with handling stolen goods and bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in July.
- A 36-year-old Mooroopna man was charged with traffick and possessing cocaine after the Viper Taskforce along with Shepparton Divisional Response Unit conducted a search warrant at a Shepparton property. During the search, police found about 10g of cocaine and $9400 in cash. He was bailed to appear before Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in May.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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