Release Date: Wednesday, April 17 2013, 03:00 PM
This is a joint media release between the AFP, Victoria Police, Customs and Border Protection, AUSTRAC, ATO and ACC
The Trident Taskforce has arrested six people and seized cocaine, steroids, human growth hormones, cash and a vehicle as part of Operation Coulter.
Operation Coulter commenced in October 2012 after the taskforce received information alleging a number of employees were exploiting their positions on the waterfront.
Taskforce Trident investigators have arrested six people, including:
- A 42-year-old man from Camberwell was arrested and interviewed on 5 February in relation to possess a trafficable quantity of cocaine and released pending summons.
- A 28-year-old man from Kingsville was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine on 10 March and bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on 17 June, 2013.
- A 25-year-old woman from Kingsville was charged with possess cocaine on 10 March and bailed to Melbourne Magistrates Court on 17 June, 2013.
- A 25-year-old man from Port Melbourne was interviewed on 10 March in relation to possess cocaine and released pending summons.
- A 45-year-old man from Armadale was arrested and charged with trafficking cocaine on 13 April, he was remanded to Melbourne Magistrates Court on 15 April where he was further remanded to 23 July, 2013.
- A 32-year-old woman from Armadale was interviewed on 13 April in relation to possess cocaine and released pending summons.
Investigators have also executed eight search warrants on premises in Kingsville, Port Melbourne, Armadale and Windsor.
Seizures as a result of Operation Coulter include a commercial quantity of cocaine (500 + grams), a quantity of steroids and human growth hormones, a 3M series BMW and in excess of $5000 cash.
Trident is a multi-agency taskforce set up in July 2012 to address organised and serious crime activities in relation to the maritime environment across Victoria.
The taskforce consists of members from six partner agencies, Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre, Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Crime Commission.
Since its inception, the task force has been working on reducing organised crimes like theft, money laundering and the illicit importation of large amounts of tobacco, drugs, stolen goods and firearms.
Deputy Commissioner Graham Ashton said Operation Coulter is a perfect example of the importance of agencies and industries working together to prevent, detect, deter and defeat organised crime.
“A key part of this taskforce is building relationships with industry stakeholders,” Mr Ashton said.
“Victoria Police is aware that organised criminal activity drives crime within our community.
“The joint agency approach from both state and commonwealth partner agencies ensure effective and coordinated targeting of organised criminals in Victoria.
”The results of Operation Coulter should send a strong message to anyone involved in the illicit drug trade or other illegal enterprises that Victoria is not an easy target.”
