Over 1,600 arrests have been made across Australia targeting drugs and organised crime in a joint operation last week.
Operation Vitreus covered every state and territory from August 19 to August 23 and has resulted in over 2,900 charges being laid, and an estimated $93 million in drugs being seized.
Detective Superintendent Peter Faux, Commander of NSW Police Force’s Organised Crime Squad, said the significant seizure was possible through collaboration between agencies, including those in New Zealand.
“The message is: if you use prohibited drugs, supply prohibited drugs or import prohibited drugs, these arrests are warning to you that there is a high likelihood that you will come to the attention of law enforcement,” he said.
Police conducted the operation with the aim of disrupting organised crime and sources of large-scale drug supply.
Seizures included over $2.2 million in cash, 71 guns, approximately 1,400 kilograms in illicit drugs, and over 2,500 cannabis plants.
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s most recent report on drugs detected in wastewater found that methylamphetamine, commonly known as ice, and cannabis were the next commonly used drugs after nicotine and alcohol.
The report also found a sustained increase in the use of ice in regional areas, particularly those in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
A separate eight-month long investigation by Victoria police saw a criminal syndicate busted and the seizure of large quantities of meth and firearms as well as 2.8 million illegal cigarettes.
In a statement last Sunday Detective Inspector Geoff Owen said that Victoria police were to maintain a determined effort to target organised crime and the trafficking of illicit drugs and firearms.
“Our work does not stop here,” he said. “In fact, those involved in the illicit drug and firearm trade should know that police have you in our sights.”
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