Police Arrest 29 and Uncover Illegal Casinos in Drug Syndicate Probe

Detectives have arrested 29 people following an investigation into an alleged illicit drug manufacturing syndicate that uncovered two illegal casinos, drugs, and weapons across Melbourne, Victoria Police announced on October 23, 2026.

The operation was led by Clandestine Laboratory Squad detectives with assistance from the VIPER Taskforce and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission. Search warrants were executed at properties across Carnegie, Box Hill, South Melbourne, and Balwyn North.

Throughout the investigation, authorities seized approximately $600,000 AUD in cash, casino betting chips, large quantities of illicit tobacco and vapes, five firearms, and various weapons, including machetes, tasers, swords, and daggers. Police also confiscated five kilograms of ketamine and seven kilograms of methylamphetamine, which was allegedly being trafficked between Victoria and Western Australia.

The investigation began earlier in the year when police arrested nine individuals linked to the syndicate at a Bundoora property on July 13. Among them, a 38-year-old Malaysian national, a 29-year-old Malaysian national, a 27-year-old Chinese national, and a 25-year-old Thai national were charged with various drug, weapons, and property offences and remain in custody. Five others are expected to be charged on summons.

On August 15, detectives located a suspected illegal casino in Carnegie containing multiple gambling rooms. Fifteen people, including two staff members, were interviewed and released, with charges pending on summons for gambling and proceeds of crime offences.

Subsequent enforcement actions included an October 8 search in South Melbourne, where a 40-year-old woman was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine and related offences. She was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 8, 2027.

On October 20, police uncovered a second illegal casino in Box Hill, arresting two alleged staff members. A 43-year-old Chinese national was remanded in custody, while a 49-year-old Balwyn North man is expected to be charged on summons. A search at another Box Hill address on Whitehorse Road led to the arrest of a 59-year-old woman after officers allegedly found cash and ledgers detailing large-scale gambling.

A further search at a Balwyn North property yielded additional cash, casino chips, four firearms, other weapons, tobacco, and drug manufacturing equipment. A 45-year-old woman arrested at the scene is expected to be charged on summons with firearms and proceeds of crime offences.

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