Police Have Arrested an Alleged Drug Kingpin in Raids Across Melbourne

Ten people have been arrested during drug raids across Melbourne last night, including a suspected "drug kingpin". Police believe they have dismantled a large crime syndicate, responsible for a significant amount of the ice and heroin in the city's north.

Around 7:30 pm Sunday night, a 51-year-old man was taken into custody at his business address in Tullamarine. It is suspected he is the head of the syndicate. Police have charged the man with trafficking and possessing methylamphetamine and cocaine, as well as the illegal possession of a handgun and dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The second stage of the raids kicked off around 9 pm as police arrived at the Drummond Street public housing flats in Carlton. Due to fears that suspects at the property may have weapons, the raids were carried out by the Special Operations Group members from the Critical Incidence Response Team on site.

Building residents saw police using chainsaws to break through heavily fortified apartment doors. Reports note that some flats even had their own CCTV monitoring equipment. Police then searched the property with sniffer dogs—seizing drugs and weapons.

All up 15 warrants were carried out across across such suburbs as Balwyn North and St Kilda. Somewhat counterintuitive to the idea of a secret sting operation, police allowed News Ltd. photographer Tony Gough access to planning meetings, and even the Carlton raids.

Around 150 officers took part in the raids, which took seven months to plan. Police have confirmed that the raids were connected, and coordinated. A Victoria Police spokesman has said the office hopes this will affect the flow of ice and heroin onto the streets.

"Tonight we have targeted a criminal syndicate which we believe is playing a key role behind drug use and volume crime within this facility and in Richmond," Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Justin Mercovich said.

The alleged drug boss will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

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