Police crack alleged drug cartel after 'finding 120kg of cocaine in frozen chicken'

Two people have been charged after police seized a massive 470 kilograms of cocaine and ice while investigating an alleged drug cartel run out of Melbourne.

Police allege they found 120 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a truckload of frozen chicken being transported from Melbourne to Sydney on August 24.

The 23-year-old truck driver was arrested and charged with trafficking in a large commercial quantity of cocaine, which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

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Another 50 kilograms of cocaine was then found in the suburb of Cairnlea in Melbourne's north-west on October 19.

Police then searched an alleged "drug safe house" in Melbourne, where they reported finding a further 285 kilograms of methamphetamine and 15 kilograms of cocaine.

Police carried out more search warrants in the Melbourne suburbs of Windsor, Southbank and Keysborough yesterday and arrested a 42-year-old Windsor man.

He has been with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methamphetamine and cocaine, which has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police have alleged he is a "key member" of the drug syndicate.

The investigation has been run by a collaboration of the AFP, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.

AFP Commander Raegan Stewart has said police are not finished investigating the criminal syndicate.

He said police believe the syndicate to be "experienced, well-resourced and proficient in their illegal trade".

Victoria Police Acting Commander Paul O'Halloran said police were sending a strong message about cracking down on organised crime

"It's not only about the drugs – the money they bring into these syndicates also helps facilitate a myriad of other serious and violent offending," he said.