Eleven people arrested in alleged Shepparton drug trafficking ring investigation
Eleven people have been arrested as Victoria Police smash an alleged drug trafficking ring. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Victoria Police has cracked down on an alleged drug trafficking ring in Shepparton, arresting 11 people and seizing about $600,000 worth of drugs.
The arrested men, aged between 19 and 56, face a number of different charges including trafficking drugs and possessing a handgun.
"The arrests follow an extensive eight-month investigation where police believe drugs were being transported from Melbourne and supplied to an alleged drug trafficking ring operating in Shepparton," a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) carried out the operation aimed at dismantling the alleged primary suppliers of illicit drugs to the area.
As part of the investigation, officers executed 13 search warrants at residential properties and storage sheds across Shepparton and Melbourne last week.
They seized about $600,000 worth of drugs including methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, cannabis and GHB.
Police also seized three stolen motorbikes, a gun and ammunition.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said police had removed "significant amounts of drugs from Shepparton streets".
"If you're thinking about trafficking or manufacturing drugs, this week's operation clearly proves that you have no place to hide," he said.
"We know that drug use often serves as a springboard to other serious crimes, which can have devastating consequences for our community.
"This is why we will stop at nothing in our pursuit of anyone trying to make a profit from criminal activity."