VIPER seize over $1.5M in cash, luxury handbags and $3.8M in gold as part of investigation into meth supply

Detectives from the VIPER Taskforce have arrested three people and seized over $1.5M cash, at least $500,000 worth of luxury handbags, over $3M worth of gold and illicit cigarettes as part of an investigation into the supply and distribution of methylamphetamine in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Three warrants were executed on Tuesday 29 October at two residential addresses in Taylors Hill and Kealba and a storage facility in Brooklyn.

A large quantity of cash, believed to be around $1M, approximately $250,000 worth of luxury handbags and approximately $500,000 worth of gold ingots were seized from the Taylor’s Hill property.

A 35-year-old Taylors Hill woman was arrested and interviewed by police. She was released pending further enquiries.

100,000 illicit cigarettes, approximately $250,000 worth of luxury handbags and at least $100,000 cash were seized at the Kealba address.

A 50-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman inside the address were both arrested and interviewed by police.

The duo was released pending further enquiries.

Investigators located approximately 750 kilograms of loose leaf tobacco – with a street value of $250,000 – inside the Brooklyn storage facility.

At 2.30pm on Wednesday 30 October, investigators executed a further warrant at a storage vault in Melbourne’s CBD.

Approximately 24 kilograms of gold bullion – worth an estimated $3.3M – and approximately $750,000 cash were located.

The investigation into the alleged supply and distribution of a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine commenced in March of this year.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about illicit drug activity or with further information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Mark Newlan, VIPER Taskforce:

“The illicit drug supply chain is littered with harm and every single time methylamphetamine spreads its way onto our streets it fuels more violence, crime and drug addiction.

“These are incredibly significant proceeds of crime seizures which have been acquired by organised criminals determined to line their pockets through illicit means and ultimately, to the severe detriment of the rest of the community.

“Victoria Police will continue to target anyone involved in the illicit drug trade and this includes the confiscation of their criminal assets. We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to profit from the misery that illicit drugs cause.”

Maddy McDermott

Media Unit

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