POLICE have arrested 12 people and seized a commercial quantity of cocaine, during a major operation targeting firearms, drugs, and persons of interest across Greater Shepparton.
Between Monday, March 10 and Saturday, March 15, detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit, Divisional Response Unit and Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce knocked on the doors of 21 homes during a series of Firearm Prohibition Order (FPO) searches and warrants.
The operation focused on individuals subject to Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs), persons of interest, and outstanding warrants.
Under a Firearm Prohibition Order, a person is prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying, or using any firearm or firearm-related items such as ammunition.
Throughout the operation, police seized:
• Traffickable quantity of cocaine valued over $80,000
• Approximately $10,000 cash
• Two stolen motorbikes
Those arrested by police include:
• A 38-year-old Shepparton man was charged with allegedly trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine after approximately 280 grams valued at approximately $70,000, was located and seized during a search warrant. He was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates Court on March 18.
• A 43-year-old Tatura man was arrested in relation to six outstanding warrants. Police seized approximately 24 grams of cannabis, 20ml of GHB, and knuckle dusters. He was charged with possess drug of dependence, possess prohibited weapon, going equipped to steal, and possess proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear before Shepparton Magistrates Court on July 14.
• A 37-year-old Mooroopna man was arrested after police located an allegedly stolen motorbike at his address. He was charged with handle stolen goods and bailed to appear before Shepparton Magistrates Court on July 18.
• On March 13, Viper Taskforce assisted Shepparton Divisional Response Unit with the execution of a search warrant at a property in Shepparton. Police located and seized approximately 10 grams of cocaine, and $9,400 cash. A 36-year-old Mooroopna man was charged with traffick and possess cocaine. He was bailed to appear before Shepparton Magistrates Court on May 19.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit said, “Regional Victoria is not immune to serious and organised crime. Organised crime networks often believe they can operate under the radar in regional areas, but we are proving that’s simply not the case.
“Crime Command’s VIPER Taskforce have been invaluable in tackling organised crime and criminal activity in regional communities. 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.”
“Community safety is always our top priority, and we rely on the public to help us target those doing harm. If you have any information—no matter how small—you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers. Your tip-off could make a significant difference in preventing further crime in our community.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Pearson from the VIPER Taskforce said, “These operations are all about cracking down on crime and ensuring the safety of the community. We hope our highly visible presence last week sent a clear message that crime will not be tolerated anywhere in this state.
“There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in regional areas. That is simply not true. If you are involved in organised criminal activity, you will be detected and you will be held accountable, irrespective of your location in Victoria.
“Alongside local police, we will continue to be out in force and use our full range of capabilities to proactively those involved in organised crime at every opportunity,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Pearson.
Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
