Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have arrested nine people and seized six firearms following an investigation into an organised crime syndicate allegedly trafficking firearms and drugs across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
With assistance from the VIPER Taskforce, Armed Crime Squad, Vehicle Crime Squad, Croydon Divisional Response Unit and the Yarra Ranges, Ballarat and Maroondah Crime Investigation Units, nine warrants were executed this morning at properties in Lilydale, Boronia, Kilsyth South, Ringwood North, Burwood East, Vermont South, The Basin and Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat.
All will now be interviewed by police.
During the searches, investigators located six firearms, ammunition, various quantities of cannabis (both dried and in plant form), and a quantity of cash.
The investigation remains ongoing.