Gun trafficking investigation leads to 20 guns, large amounts of drugs, cash being seized in Victoria's east
An investigation into gun trafficking has led to police seizing 20 guns, a large amount of drugs and cash, and arresting 11 men in a region in Victoria's east.
The four month investigation, which involved a wide range of state and federal police departments, culminated in officers raiding 10 properties in the Latrobe Valley on Thursday.
Guns, ammunition, prohibited weapons, drugs including methylamphetamine, cocaine, Butanediol, steroids, and a large amount of cash was seized from the properties in Yarragon, Trafalgar, Labertouche, Moe, Pakenham, Warragul, Drouin, Nar Nar Goon and Narracan.
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The guns were seized in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria. Simon Schluter
A total of 11 men who lived at the properties, aged between 27 and 63-years-old, were arrested for charges including trafficking firearms, drug trafficking and cultivating cannabis.
Several went before Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on Thursday and were remanded into custody.
Police also served four Firearm Prohibition Orders.
Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham said seizing 20 firearms and was "a great outcome for community safety".
'We know illicit firearms often feature heavily in some of our most serious and violent crimes such as homicides, armed robberies, aggravated burglaries and family violence offending, as well as within the drug trade," he said.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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