By XAVIER SMERDON
A TARNEIT man has been arrested for allegedly being part of an international organised crime syndicate running across five countries that was dismantled by federal and state police earlier this month.
More than 42 kilograms of drugs, 99 designer handbags and wallets, $4 million in cash, $5 million worth of residential properties, $600,000 in casino chips, $10,000 worth of jewellery and a Lamborghini were seized as part of the police operation.
An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said Operation Volante began in April 2012 targeting a long-standing international organised crime syndicate importing and trafficking substantial quantities of heroin and methamphetamine into, and around Australia.
“It is alleged the syndicate has targeted Australia over a number of years, importing and distributing large amounts of illicit narcotics, laundering the profits overseas and living off the wealth obtained from crime,” the spokesperson said.
“Between Wednesday 20 March and Friday 22 March, the AFP and Victoria Police conducted search warrants on 37 search warrants across Melbourne including residential premises, warehouses, vehicles, shops, accountancy offices and security boxes.
A 49-year-old Tarneit man was subsequently arrested, along with five other men.
The men were charged with a range of offences including drug trafficking.
The Tarneit man appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last week.
“In addition to this operation, the AFP partnership with Victoria Police has resulted in the arrest of 56 people for drug-related offences, the seizure over two tonnes of illicit drugs and chemicals used in the process of manufacturing of illicit drugs, and the restraint of over $9 million in proceeds of crime since 2012 alone,” the AFP spokesperson said.
“The investigation is continuing both in Australia and overseas and further arrests are expected.”
