Victoria Police have charged a man with trafficking drugs via rideshare drivers, after officers uncovered a hidden cache of drugs and weapons behind a false bookshelf.
It will be alleged in court that the man was sending out a drug menu to clients frequenting nightclubs and bars on Chapel Street’s entertainment strip, with a list of substances available, their weight and prices, before taking orders via an encrypted messaging application.
It will be further alleged the drugs were taken directly to licensed premises, picked up from the man’s home, or delivered to buyers via rideshare drivers.
It is not suggested that rideshare drivers were aware of what they were transporting, Victoria Police said in a statement.
“Our investigators are highly skilled at finding inconsistencies in properties where drugs or weapons could be hidden. So, if you think you can outsmart us, you’re wrong,” said Prahran Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Scott Ishac.
“Trafficking drugs carries a maximum penalty of 25 years’ behind bars. The glitz and glam of a lifestyle funded by drugs will never last long, and offenders will always end up far worse off than before.”
Following investigations, detectives from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) and the Dog Squad – executed a search warrant at a home on Arkle Street, Prahran, just after 5am on Friday.
During the search, investigators discovered a bookshelf controlled by a remote. Behind the shelf, they located a myriad of illicit drugs and prohibited weapons:
- Methamphetamine with an estimated potential street value of more than $16,000;
- Cocaine worth almost $11,000;
- 1,4-Butanediol worth $10,000;
- MDMA worth $6,000.
Quantities of other drugs of dependence, steroids and prescription medication were seized alongside an imitation Glock handgun, a set of knuckle dusters with a spring-loaded knife, two daggers, a sling shot, axe, an extendable baton, fireworks and electronic devices.
A 43-year-old man was arrested at the scene charged with 30 offences, including frafficking and possessing cocaine, ecstasy, methylamphetamine, ketamine, 1,4-Butanediol, and Diazepam; possessing dexamphetamine, prescription medication, testosterone, and anabolic steroids; knowingly deal proceeds of crime; commit Schedule 2 offence whilst on bail; possess explosive substance, imitation firearm and six counts of possess prohibited weapon; possessing a false document; and fail to provide pin code to mobile phone.
He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 5 July, where he was remanded to reappear on 15 July.
A 33-year-old woman from South Melbourne who was also arrested at the property was issued a caution for possessing cocaine.
Anyone with information about drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
