Dozens arrested over illegal casino operations, drug trafficking

Police have arrested 29 people after uncovering two illegal casinos operating in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, as part of a wider investigation into alleged drug manufacturing. 

Detectives also uncovered weapons, including firearms, machetes, swords and daggers, $600,000 in cash, illegal tobacco and vapes, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine and five kilograms of ketamine, when they executed search warrants in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne. 

During the initial stages of the investigation in July, police arrested nine people allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora, in Melbourne's north.

Those arrested included two Malaysian nationals, a Chinese national and a woman from Thailand.

The 38-year-old Malaysian national was charged with possessing substances, equipment or material for trafficking, and handling stolen goods.

The 29-year-old Malaysian national was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possessing an imitation firearm, negligently dealing proceeds of crime and using false documents.

A 27-year-old man from China was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, possessing prohibited weapons and trafficking tobacco and vapes.

The 25-year-old woman from Thailand was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and being in possession of a stolen police uniform.

All four remain in custody, while the other five people arrested at the property are expected to be charged on summons with a range of drug offences.

Then in August, detectives from the clandestine laboratory squad uncovered a suspected illegal casino operating in Carnegie.

Police allege multiple gambling rooms had been set up, and 15 people, including two working at the venue, were playing illegal casino games.

All 15 people were interviewed and released, with police expecting to charge them on summons with knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime and being in a place providing unauthorised gambling.

As part of the investigation, another search warrant was executed at a property in South Melbourne on October 15. 

Police arrested a 40-year-old South Melbourne woman and charged her with numerous offences including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cocaine and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Second casino uncovered, Chinese national arrested

Five days later, they searched a property in Box Hill, where a second illegal casino was discovered. 

Two people allegedly operating the casino were arrested at the scene.

A 43-year-old Chinese national was charged with dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and being in a place provided for unauthorised gambling.

Police said he remains in custody.

They also expect to charge the second man, a 49-year-old from Balwyn North on summons with similar charges.

That same day detectives also searched an address on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill, where they alleged found cash and handwritten ledgers showing large-scale gambling occurring at the venue.

They arrested a 59-year-old Box Hill woman, who was allegedly a staff member, at the property.

Officers searching a property in Balwyn North uncovered more cash and casino chips, as well as four firearms, other weapons, and a large quantity of tobacco and drug manufacturing equipment.

A 45-year-old Balwyn North woman was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with dealing property believed to be proceeds of crime and firearms offences.

In a statement,  Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler from Victoria Police's clandestine laboratory squad, said the arrests would help dismantle drug syndicates operating in the community.

"Uncovering these casinos and putting an end to the illegal activities taking place inside them helps get drugs and weapons off the streets," she said.

"These arrests are a crucial part of our commitment to dismantle organised crime on every level.

"We need anyone with information on illicit drugs being imported, manufactured or trafficked to come forward."