By Violet Li
Police charged two men after locating various weapons and ammunition, as well as illicit drugs at a Clyde house on Tuesday 10 October.
Detectives from the VIPER (Visibility, Intelligence, Prevention, Enforcement and Reassurance) Taskforce located three firearms along with a large amount of ammunition, three silencers, two crossbows, knuckle dusters, and various forms of false identification.
Various amounts of methyl-amphetamine, cocaine, and heroin were also located as well as a stolen vehicle and about $1500 cash.
A 35-year-old Narre Warren man was allegedly charged with trafficking methyl-amphetamine and possessing methyl-amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, proceeds of crime, and prohibited weapon.
He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 26 February 2024.
Another 38-year-old Clyde man was allegedly charged with prohibited person possessing firearms, possessing trafficable amount of firearms, ammunition, prohibited weapons, silencer, controlled weapon, and fraudulent ID, theft of motor vehicle, fraudulent use of registration label, and committing indictable offence on bail.
He was remanded overnight to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 11 October morning.
The arrests are parts of an ongoing drug trafficking and firearm investigation.
In September detectives executed a search warrant at a separate Clyde address as part of this investigation and located a large quantity of drugs, including over 300 marijuana plants, methamphetamine and heroin, as well as a large amount of illegal tabacco.
A 56-year-old Clyde man was allegedly charged with commercial cultivate cannabis, trafficking commercial cannabis, and possessing methyl-amphetamine, heroin, and prescription medication.
He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2024.
A 47-year-old Clyde woman was interviewed and released.
VIPER Taskforce detective inspector Craig Darlow said to seize firearms and related items was a great outcome for community safety.
“Taking firearms out of the hands of criminals, and making them more difficult to obtain, are effective ways of preventing future offending and increasing public safety,” he said.
“Rest assured, we will continue to use every power we have to prevent these criminals from causing harm to our communities.”
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
Anyone with information about firearms or illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
