Week-long Police Blitz Targets Organized Crime on NSW-Victoria Border

A significant cross-border police operation has successfully disrupted organized crime networks operating along the New South Wales and Victoria border. The week-long blitz, involving Victoria Police's VIPER taskforce and the NSW Police Force Raptor squad, led to the arrest of 29 individuals and the seizure of a substantial cache of illicit items.

Authorities reported confiscating multiple firearms, including a sawn-off .22 rifle, along with significant quantities of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, methylamphetamine, and GHB. Cash, steroids, and various weapons including knuckle dusters, a baton, and a machete were also seized. Highway patrol units were actively involved, pulling over 68 vehicles and impounding seven, with over 60 drivers testing positive for drugs or alcohol.

“

There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in the country. That is simply not true.

Acting Superintendent Ashley Mason of Victoria Police highlighted the effectiveness of the coordinated approach. "There can be a perception that it is easier to hide in the country. That is simply not true," Mason stated, sending a clear message to criminals. "If you are involved in organised criminal activity, you will be detected and you will be held accountable, irrespective of a state border."

The operation included executing search warrants at properties linked to the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang in Cobram, Victoria, where drugs and cash were found. Another raid in Leneva, Victoria, uncovered a large quantity of dried cannabis, tobacco plants, and weapons. These actions underscore the commitment of law enforcement agencies to tackling serious crime across state lines.

“

If you are involved in organised criminal activity, you will be detected and you will be held accountable, irrespective of a state border.