A Melbourne-based criminal syndicate with alleged links to organised crime has been dismantled, with three men charged over the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs.
A 35-year-old Keilor Park man, a 28-year-old Albion man and a 54-year-old Echuca man were arrested and charged, while a 39-year-old Fraser Rise man was released pending further inquiries.
The AFP and Victoria Police began investigating the syndicate in November 2024, suspecting it of trafficking significant quantities of drugs into Australia. On Friday, 19 September 2025, officers executed multiple search warrants across Victoria, including Keilor, Fraser Rise, Albion, Keilor Park, Laverton North, Mill Park, Sunshine North and Echuca.
Police seized more than $200,000 in suspected proceeds of crime, deal bags of cocaine, an imitation firearm, drug paraphernalia and multiple encrypted communication devices.
At warehouses in Mill Park and Laverton North, investigators uncovered cannabis cultivation facilities hidden inside industrial shipping containers, fitted with hydroponic equipment. Around 86 mature cannabis plants and 25kg of dried cannabis were seized, with a potential street value of nearly $690,000.
AFP Acting Commander Raymond Imbriano said the operation reflected the AFP’s strong commitment to tackling organised crime. “We are committed to reducing the threat posed by organised crime to the lives, welfare and hip pockets of Australians and ensuring we keep Victoria as hostile an environment as possible for anyone seeking to profit from the misery caused by illicit drugs.”
A/Commander Imbriano added: “I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all the AFP members involved in these investigations, from investigators and intelligence members to all other support capabilities. Thank you for all you do, day-in, day-out, to keep the community safe.”
“I also wish to thank our partners at Victoria Police, in particular the Botany Unit, for their specialist and expert assistance in responding to the significant quantities of cannabis seized during the operation.”
Victoria Police Superintendent Matt Volk, from the Organised Crime Division, said the seizure was a major result and a warning to criminal groups.
“Victoria Police has zero tolerance for those bringing harm to our community by importing and trafficking drugs of any type. We will continue to target these syndicates in any and every way possible,” Supt Volk said.
“Our work does not stop with this seizure and these arrests. Alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to disrupt the importation of illicit drugs into Victoria.”
The Keilor Park man and Albion man are due to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court today (22 September). The Echuca man will face court on 16 December.
Further arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
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