Three people have been arrested – one facing serious drug trafficking charges – after police seized half a kilogram of cocaine and a suitcase full of cash from a home in Chelsea.
Following investigations into the alleged trafficking of cocaine and ketamine in Melbourne’s southeast, detectives from the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit executed two search warrants at a home on Embankment Grove, Chelsea and on Wren Road, Moorabbin, from about 6am on Monday 1 September.
At the Chelsea address, police located 500g of cocaine with an estimated potential street value of $150,000, and approximately $785,000 cash in a suitcase.
Two men aged 22 and 23 both from Chelsea, and a woman aged 25 were arrested at the scene.
The 22-year-old man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of cocaine; a charge that carries with it a maximum penalty of 25 years behind bars.
The man was also charged with possessing MDMA, ketamine and proceeds of crime.
He was remanded and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where he was granted bail to reappear on 24 November.
The 23-year-old man was charged with possessing cocaine, and bailed to appear in Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 27 September.
The woman from Ferntree Gully was released pending further enquiries.
Following further enquiries, detectives conducted a search warrant at a factory on Wren Road Moorabbin, just before midday yesterday, as well as a subsequent search at the Chelsea home at around 5.30pm, where they seized a further $5000, believed to be the proceeds of crime.
“Time and time again we see people thinking they can make a quick buck by distributing drugs,” said Caulfield Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Stu Burnham.
“Making the decision to traffick a commercial quantity of drugs can land you in prison for as long as a quarter of a century.
“It’s just not worth the risk of getting caught. The odds are not in your favour.
“Anyone who thinks they can get away with trafficking drugs is sorely mistaken.”
As investigations continue, anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.