By DANIELLE GALVIN
CARDINIA’S top cop has warned they will “knock on the door” of local drug manufacturers who are using suburban homes for illicit narcotic production.
The blunt statement of intent from Inspector Robert Wallace followed the seizure of an alleged $60,000 worth of methamphetamine – also known as ice – from a Pakenham home.
The raid on the Windermere Boulevard property last Thursday led the Cardinia Inspector to issue a warning to home-grown criminals that police will not tolerate drug manufacturing in the region.
The latest raid came just weeks after an alleged methamphetamine lab was stormed by police in Berwick where a “significant amount” of cash was discovered, suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
In late May, Cardinia Tactical Anti-Crime police busted a ‘crop house’ in a new estate bordering Officer and Pakenham.
“The recent operation conducted by local and Greater Dandenong detectives netted substantial quantities of ice and marijuana,” Insp Wallace said.
“This is good for police and the community in that it has removed these drugs from circulation and from preventing harm to potential drug users which has a flow-on effect for partner agencies.”
In the Windereme Boulevard raid, detectives from the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit, together with the Divisional Tasking Unit and Dog Squad, seized 60g of what is believed to be ice, alongside stolen property and a discontinued police radio from the Pakenham home.
Police said the stolen property linked the man to several unsolved burglaries in the area in recent months.
Detective Sergeant Miro Majstorovic said the warrant concludes several investigations.
“It was a fantastic result by all involved,” he said.
“Police see the destruction ice causes daily and I’m pleased with the efforts of my members knowing we have just disrupted the local market with this significant seizure.”
Insp Wallace said police are continually investigating reports of drug manufacturing in the area.
“Drugs that are manufactured locally are generally not solely sold locally, they are also distributed to other areas and further sold,” he said.
“Any form of drug manufacture comes with inherent risks.
“There are many examples over the years of drug manufacturers who have little regard for their or their neighbour’s personal safety.
“Unfortunately people have suffered serious injuries as a result.”
Insp Wallace said there have also been several ‘crop house busts’ in recent years.
“They have been located in new and established residential areas throughout Cardinia where offenders have identified an opportunity,” he said.
“Police rely on information and I encourage members of the community to report suspicious behaviour and activity to Crime Stoppers or their local police station.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged following the raid last week.
He was remanded to appear in court today (Wednesday).
The man was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine, handling stolen goods, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing cannabis and ecstasy.
