TWENTY people have been arrested in a police blitz across Swan Hill and Mildura.
Victoria Police laid 42 charges last week during a major operation targeting outlaw motorcycle gangs and organised criminal entities across the region.
The VIPER Taskforce teamed up with local officers to track down gang members wanted for a range of offences in Mildura and Swan Hill.
Police conducted 23 firearm prohibition order compliance searches and executed five search warrants, targeting individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms.
Individuals subject to an FPO are prohibited from acquiring, possessing, carrying or using any firearm or firearm related item such as ammunition.
A further two FPOs were served.
Eight firearms were also seized by police, along with five prohibited weapons, around $24,000 in cash and illicit drugs, including methylamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis.
A 43-year-old man, a 40-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, all from Swan Hill, were charged for trafficking cannabis and methylamphetamine. The trio were bailed to appear at Swan Hill Magistrates’ Court on August 19.
A 43-year-old man, also from Swan Hill, was charged for possessing a drug of dependence, possessing an imitation firearm, possessing two prohibited weapons and theft.
He was bailed to appear at court on July 8.
VIPER Taskforce Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said the force would hold OMCG and organised criminal entities to account for their offences and keep the community safe.
“Illicit firearms and drugs have no place in our communities – which is why we’ll continue working tirelessly with local police to remove them from the wrong hands before they cause harm,” he said.
“Our message is clear: If you’re involved in organised crime, you will be caught by police.
“There is nowhere you can hide.”
Mildura Inspector David Rowe said Victoria Police would “come down hard” on serious crime in north-west Victoria, especially those breaching FPO.
“If you’re caught with an illegal firearm or illicit drugs, expect to face serious consequences,” Insp Rowe said.
