Police from the Santiago task force on Thursday raided nine properties and made 10 arrests as part of a long-running investigation into firearm and drug trafficking.
Detective Inspector Stephen Denis of the Santiago group said the guns recovered in Thursday's raids included two pen pistols and two sawn-off shotguns.
Police also found two stolen cars, two stolen motorcycles and an assortment of car parts.
The Santiago task force, formed in 2008, has investigated about 130 cases including several driveby shootings in Melbourne's west in which shots were fired into houses and cars.
Det Insp Denis said investigations leading to Thursday's operation, Indulge, began last November.
He said no charges had yet been laid and two of the men arrested had been released.
Detective Inspector Steve Dennis said the Special Operations Group was astonished to find the small crocodile in a tank at the home.
It is not known why the reptile was being kept there, with police turning it over to the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
There was no licence to have the animal on the property.
"Maybe he was just an exotic pet, I just don't know," said Det Insp Dennis.
"It's certainly something different. I've never seen a crocodile after executing a search warrant. This is a first for me."
POLICE REMOVE EVIDENCE AFTER THE RAIDS TODAY. PICTURE: DARREN MCNAMARA
He said the SOG also used sniffer dogs to raid a warehouse in Sunshine West.
Four men were arrested at the property after police found drugs, two pen pistols, long arms and one imitation revolver.
Two stolen cars and two stolen motorcycles were also found at the warehouse, which was being used as a car repairs shop.
Police will analyse powders found during the raids.
Of the 10 arrested, two men have been released to face drug-related matters.
Det Insp Dennis did not rule out making further arrests.
No comments:
Post a Comment