Police executed four search warrants at residential and commercial properties in Echuca and Rochester on Friday, December 17, and seized various quantities of illicit drugs including about 3.8kg of cannabis, and small quantities of cocaine and ecstasy.
They also seized an imitation firearm, explosives, ammunition, and numerous allegedly stolen items.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 26-year-old Echuca man, who was charged with handling stolen goods, prohibited person possessing imitation firearm, three counts of possession of prohibited weapon, explosive possession, possessing cartridge ammunition without licence, possessing cocaine and possessing ecstasy.
The next day, a 67-year-old Echuca man was charged with trafficking cannabis, possessing cannabis and possessing a prohibited weapon.
Both men will face Echuca Magistrates’ Court next year.
The joint operation between Victoria Police and NSW Police Force was led by detectives from Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit and Deniliquin Crime Investigation Unit (NSW), with support from Echuca and Rochester uniformed police, Dog Squad and Australian Border Force.
NSW police officers also executed a search warrant at a rural residential property in Moama on Friday, December 17.
Two firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, a small amount of cannabis, quantities of powder-like substances and $3000 in cash was seized.
Victoria Police detectives attended the address and suspended the occupant’s firearms licence.
Investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information about drug-related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au