By JESSE GRAHAM
FOUR HEALESVILLE residents will front court in October after drug raids were carried out in Healesville last week.
Police from Healesville, Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and Croydon Divisional Tasking Unit raided two Don Road properties, a Maroondah Highway property and a Joffre Road property before 9am on Thursday 11 June.
Healesville Police Sergeant Stewart Thomson said the raids were conducted as part of a local investigation on ice (crystal methamphetamine), which also involved the Police Dog Squad.
“Basically, the situation is that, as the result of an ongoing local drug investigation, four search warrants were conducted in the Healesville area,” Sgt Thomson said.
“As a result of the warrants, a number of drugs, paraphernalia, stolen property and firearms were seized.”
After the raids, a 39-year-old Healesville man was charged with use and possession of a drug of dependence, proceeds of crime and handling stolen goods.
A 25-year-old Healesville woman was charged with the possession and trafficking of a drug of dependence, while a 25-year-old Healesville man has been charged with possession and trafficking a drug of dependence, handling stolen goods and proceeds of crime.
A 20-year-old Healesville man was charged with firearms offences.
All three drug offences were in relation to ice, but Sgt Thomson said drugs were not found at all of the properties searched.
Cannabis was also found during the searches.
The four will appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 16 October – three of the group were bailed, but the 25-year-old Healesville man has been remanded in custody.
Sgt Thomson urged residents to continue providing police with information on suspicious activity, via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through local stations.
“Don’t accept it in your own backyard – be pro-active,” Sgt Thomson said.
Confidential crime reports can also be filed at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
