Liam McNally
Moorabool police have conducted a string of police operations targeted at disrupting the drug trade within the municipality in a bid to reduce broader crime numbers.
The operations targeted people allegedly involved in the sale of drugs and resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cannabis plants, weapons and stolen goods from a number of properties. Police say disrupting these operations will have the knock-on effect of reducing “volume-crime” in the area, especially theft.
On August 18 police executed search warrants at four properties across Bacchus Marsh and Darley and allegedly seized an ounce of cocaine, a small amount of bute, a number of LSD and ecstasy tablets as well as cash and weapons.
On September 20 a 43-year-old male was charged after police executed a search warrant at a separate Darley property and allegedly discovered 20 hydroponic cannabis plants and a loaded firearm. He has been bailed to appear before a Bacchus Marsh court in November.
Most recently more than $100,000 worth of allegedly stolen goods were recovered at a Balliang East property on Thursday, September 28, including an excavator, boat, bobcat, tip truck, three trailers and approximately 70 power tools.
Star Weekly has reported that criminal offences increased by more than 22 per cent in Moorabool in the 12 months to June 2023, with three of the five most common crimes being related to theft.
Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detective sergeant Ricky Millar said theft can be directly linked to the area’s drug trade problem.
“Intel shows a high percentage of our crime is driven by persons involved in either drug use or the drug trade,” he said.
“If we can identify where drugs are being distributed and close those sorts of places down, it’s certainly going to reduce risk of property and volume crime in those areas, and we’re looking to do that across Moorabool PSA [Police Service Area], but in particular Bacchus Marsh at the moment.“
Det sgt Millar said police are keen to hear from the public any information they may have that may help with reducing local crime.
“We’re actively seeking persons who are involved in drug crime and stolen property – either retention or actually stealing property, which all ties up with our volume crime including burglaries and theft of motor vehicles,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
