A 43-year-old man has been charged with trafficking a cocktail of illicit drugs on Melbourne’s bustling Chapel Street using rideshare drivers as unwitting couriers, following a dramatic police raid that uncovered a secret cache of drugs and weapons hidden behind a false bookshelf.
Police allege the man was operating a drug delivery service targeting revellers at nightclubs and bars along the popular entertainment strip. Clients reportedly received a “drug menu” via encrypted messaging, detailing available substances, quantities, and prices before placing orders.
Deliveries were allegedly made to licensed venues, picked up from the man’s Prahran home, or transported via rideshare drivers — although authorities have confirmed there is no suggestion the drivers were aware of what they were carrying.
Following investigations, detectives from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit, assisted by the Critical Incident Response Team and Dog Squad, executed a search warrant at a home on Arkle Street just after 5am on Friday 4 July.
Inside, they discovered a remote-controlled bookshelf concealing a haul of illicit substances and weapons. The items seized included:
• Methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $16,000
• Cocaine worth nearly $11,000
• 1,4-Butanediol worth $10,000
• MDMA worth $6,000
Additional items included other drugs of dependence, steroids, and prescription medications. Investigators also seized a cache of weapons, including an imitation Glock handgun, knuckle dusters with a spring-loaded knife, two daggers, a slingshot, axe, extendable baton, fireworks, and electronic devices.
The man was arrested at the scene and charged with 30 offences, including trafficking and possessing multiple drugs, possessing prohibited weapons, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and breaching bail. He was remanded in custody after appearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 5 July and is scheduled to reappear on 15 July.
A 33-year-old South Melbourne woman was also arrested at the property and issued a caution for possessing cocaine.
Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Ishac from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit said:
“Our investigators are highly skilled at finding inconsistencies in properties where drugs or weapons could be hidden. So, if you think you can outsmart us, you’re wrong.
Trafficking drugs carries a maximum penalty of 25 years behind bars. The glitz and glam of a lifestyle funded by drugs will never last long, and offenders will always end up far worse off than before.”
Anyone with information about drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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