The extensive crackdown by Crime Investigation Unit detectives has resulted in 26 people charged with trafficking large commercial and commercial quantities of illicit drugs.
Over the past year, Shepparton detectives have run two major operations in the region, seizing about 31.5kg of MDMA, 1.6kg of methamphetamines, 2.1kg of cannabis, 342g of cocaine, 400ml of GHB, and more than $500,000 cash.
Police have also seized a significant number of cars, motorbikes and jet skis as alleged proceeds of crime.
One of the most significant results occurred in June this year, when detectives arrested 11 people and seized an estimated $600,000 worth of methamphetamines, MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and cash.
These arrests marked the culmination of an intensive eight-month investigation targeting the alleged primary suppliers of illicit drugs to the Shepparton area.
Among those arrested were eight Shepparton men, who all faced drug trafficking charges.
Five of them were charged with allegedly trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs.
Police said the disruption of this major supply chain had dealt a severe blow to the drug trade, significantly reducing the flow of illicit substances into the Shepparton area.
In another major operation late last year, Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit and the Divisional Response Unit executed 25 search warrants across Shepparton and Melbourne, leading to the arrest of 15 people and the seizure of a commercial quantity of illicit drugs including more than $150,000 of methamphetamines, cocaine, GHB, MDMA and cash.
Additionally, there have been other instances where people were charged with drug trafficking this year.
They include:
• On May 15, Benalla Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a search warrant, seizing cocaine, 1-4 butanediol and two cannabis plants. Three people were arrested.
• On June 4, detectives from the Shepparton Divisional Response Unit charged three men after allegedly locating a stolen Holden Commodore, a bus, two loaded firearms, and various drugs, including methamphetamines and cocaine.
• On July 12, Mansfield police charged three men and a woman after seizing a significant quantity of cannabis, cash and a conducted energy device during two search warrants.
Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said local police had been relentless in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle any alleged illicit drug trafficking networks operating across the Greater Shepparton area.
“Our detectives work around the clock to combat drug-related crime and safeguard the community from the dangers associated with illicit substances,” he said.
“We’ll continue to have a focus on drug traffickers to interrupt any trafficking.”
Det Sen Constable Shortis urged people to report any suspicious activities or information about drug trafficking to local police or Crime Stoppers anonymously by phoning 1800 333 000.
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