Millions of dollars of steroids have been seized and three people have been arrested after police busted the largest syndicate of its kind in Victoria.
On Friday, police cracked the ‘sophisticated’ drug ring after a months-long investigation into reports steroids and other prescription medications were circling around gyms in Melbourne.
Police allege two men bought drugs from an overseas supplier and resold them online while based out of a gym in Port Melbourne.
It’s alleged they have hundreds of customers, including some with links to organised crime.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad arrested two men, aged 27 and 32, after a seven month investigation.
A search of their Docklands apartments allegedly revealed multiple distribution centres with millions of dollars in illegal steroids and medication. Police also seized $130,000 in cash.
On Friday, police cracked the ‘sophisticated’ drug ring after a months-long investigation into reports steroids and other prescription medications were circling around gyms in Melbourne
The amount of drugs seized was so large that detectives will have to return to the address for a second time to retrieve the rest of the evidence.
Investigators subsequently searched a Port Melbourne gym, where they also located a large amount of illegal steroids.
A fifth warrant carried out at a property in Flemington found another $45,000 in cash and more illegal steroids.
The two men will appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today on Saturday.
They have been charged with a range of offences including trafficking a commercial quantity of prescription medication, trafficking anabolic steroids, trafficking diazepam and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime.
A 37-year-old woman was also arrested and charged for possessing methylamphetamine. She will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 26, 2024.
Police allege two men bought drugs from an overseas supplier and resold them online while based out of a gym in Port Melbourne
Victoria Police said it will take investigators a number of days to count and weigh the drugs and cash, but the stash is believed to be worth millions of dollars.
Detective inspector Patrick Watkinson said the steroid bust was the largest the state had ever seen.
‘We’ve uncovered a sophisticated drug distribution centre – the biggest of its kind in Victoria,’ he said.
‘What caught our attention is that they’re allegedly selling drugs to organised crime figures, and not only profiting heavily from it, but also facilitating their luxury lifestyle.
‘The community may think dealing with performance-enhancing drugs is harmless, but we’re looking at the bigger picture here – which is to target all aspects of organised crime including the people associated with it.
Detective inspector Patrick Watkinson said the steroid bust was the largest the state had ever seen
‘We want this to send a message to those associating with people who have links to organised crime. If you’re connected – even in the slightest way – the chances of your activities being detected is increased.
‘This work is about limiting the networks and connections of organised crime figures. We want those causing harm in our community to feel the pressure from all angles.
‘Medication should be supplied by accredited doctors and pharmacists, not personal trainers at a gym.’
ACT Policing also executed a number of warrants on Friday and arrested a group of people allegedly involved in the syndicate.
NSW Police also carried out a number of warrants connected to the drug ring.
Further charges are expected to be laid.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk