Police in Victoria link two illegal casinos to drug crime scheme

• A months-long operation against drug manufacturing and distribution culminated recently with raids at multiple addresses across Victoria, Australia
• Police identified two residential properties operating as illegal casinos, tying them to a drug distribution network
• Dozens of suspects were arrested, with law enforcement finding and seizing cash, chips, guns and drugs

A large-scale operation against drug trafficking resulted in the arrests of dozens, while uncovering residential properties being used as illegal casinos across Victoria, Australia.

Drugs, guns, cash and betting chips seized

Late last week, the Victoria Police released details regarding a drug bust that resulted in the arrest of 29 suspects.

Officers with the VIPER Taskforce, members of the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, as well as detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, executed search warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill South, Box Hill, South Melbourne and Balwyn North.

Notably, law enforcement found that two of the venues operated illegal casinos.

On site, officers found and seized a significant amount of casino betting chips and various equipment, along with approximately AU$600,000, or $421,200in cash.

Considering that police initially looked into a drug distribution and manufacturing syndicate, on site, they found illicit drugs, including five kilograms of ketamine, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine and a significant number of illicit tobacco and vapes.

Various weapons, including handheld weapons like machetes, tasers, swords and daggers, along with five firearms, were also found and seized.

Carlie Kohler, Clandestine Laboratory Squad’s Detective Inspector, spoke about the latest operation, Casino Guru News learned from a press release.

"We are continuing to dismantle drug syndicates as we work to reduce drug-related harm within the community. Uncovering these casinos and putting an end to the illegal activities taking place inside them helps get drugs and weapons off the streets," the Detective Inspector said.

According to Kohler, the early stage of the investigation uncovered that residential properties in Box Hill and Carnegie were operating as illegal casinos.

"These arrests are a crucial part of our commitment to dismantle organized crime on every level. We need anyone with information on illicit drugs being imported, manufactured or trafficked to come forward," the Detective Inspector said in conclusion.

Suspects arrested and charged

During the latest raid on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South, a 43-year-old Chinese national was arrested along with a 49-year-old Balwyn North man.

They are both suspected of running illegal casinos, facing various charges and remaining in custody.

At an address on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill, police arrested a 59-year-old Box Hill woman, suspected of running the illegal casino.

On site, law enforcement also found ledgers that tracked gambling activities.

The Victoria Police encouraged anyone who is aware of the manufacturing or distribution of illicit drugs to reach out to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file an anonymous report online.

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