Victoria Police Arrest 29 and Uncover Illegal Casinos in Melbourne Drug Investigation

Victoria Police have arrested 29 people following an investigation into alleged drug manufacturing and organized crime across the northern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The operation led to the discovery of two illegal casinos, along with significant seizures of illicit drugs, weapons, illegal tobacco, and cash.

Illicit Gambling Venues Uncovered

Detectives from the clandestine laboratory squad uncovered the first suspected illegal casino in Carnegie in August. Authorities alleged that multiple gambling rooms were set up inside the venue, where 15 people, including two workers, were found playing unauthorised casino games. All 15 individuals were interviewed and released, with police expecting to charge them on summons for knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and being in a place providing unauthorised gambling.

A second illegal casino was discovered on October 20 during a search of a property in Box Hill. Two alleged operators were arrested, including a 43-year-old Chinese national who was charged with dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and being in a place provided for unauthorised gambling. A 49-year-old man from Balwyn North is also expected to be charged on summons. Additional warrants executed in Box Hill and Balwyn North yielded cash, handwritten gambling ledgers, casino chips, tobacco, drug manufacturing equipment, and weapons. A 59-year-old woman alleged to be a staff member and a 45-year-old woman were also arrested in connection with these locations.

Drug Seizures and Foreign Nationals Charged

The broader investigation began in July when police arrested nine people allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora. Among those detained were several foreign nationals. A 38-year-old Malaysian national was charged with possessing substances, equipment, or material for trafficking, while a 29-year-old Malaysian national faced charges including trafficking methamphetamine and using false documents. A 27-year-old Chinese national was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, prohibited weapons, and trafficking tobacco, and a 25-year-old Thai woman was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and a stolen police uniform.

As the operation progressed, detectives executed warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North, and South Melbourne. A search in South Melbourne on October 15 resulted in the arrest of a 40-year-old woman charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cocaine, and possessing a prohibited weapon.

In total, police seized $600,000 in cash, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine, five kilograms of ketamine, illegal tobacco, vapes, firearms, machetes, swords, and daggers. Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler stated that shutting down the illegal casinos and seizing these items is a crucial step toward dismantling organized crime syndicates in the region.