Victoria Police have arrested 29 people after uncovering two suspected illegal casinos in Carnegie and Box Hill South during a wider investigation into alleged drug manufacturing and trafficking across Melbourne.
Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, supported by the VIPER Taskforce and the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, carried out search warrants at properties in Carnegie, Box Hill South, Box Hill, South Melbourne, Balwyn North and Bundoora. Police say the investigation uncovered cash, casino betting chips, illicit tobacco and vapes, drugs, firearms, other weapons and drug-manufacturing equipment.
Police reported seizing about $600,000 in cash, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine and five kilograms of ketamine. Investigators allege the methylamphetamine was being trafficked between Victoria and Western Australia. Officers also seized five firearms, along with weapons including machetes, tasers, swords and daggers. These are police allegations and seizure figures; any criminal liability remains a matter for the courts.
The investigation began with arrests at a property in Bundoora on 13 July. Nine people were arrested in that early stage. Four were charged: 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. The charges reported by police include alleged drug trafficking or possession, weapons offences, handling stolen goods, dealing with suspected proceeds of crime, using false documents and trafficking tobacco and vapes. The four remain in custody, while the other five people arrested in Bundoora are expected to be charged by summons with drug-related offences.
On 15 August, detectives found what police described as a suspected illegal casino on Rosstown Road in Carnegie. Police allege multiple gambling rooms were operating and 15 people, including two staff members, were inside playing illegal casino games. All 15 were interviewed and released. Police said they were expected to be charged by summons with offences relating to suspected proceeds of crime and being at a place used for unauthorised gambling.
A separate search in South Melbourne on 8 October led to the arrest of a 40-year-old woman. Police charged her with offences including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cocaine, dealing negligently with suspected proceeds of crime and possessing a prohibited weapon. She was remanded in custody and is due to return to Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 January 2027.
On 20 October, detectives searched a property on Middleborough Road in Box Hill South and located a second suspected illegal casino. Two people allegedly operating the venue were arrested. A 43-year-old Chinese national was charged with dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime and an offence relating to a place used for unauthorised gambling. Police said he remained in custody. A 49-year-old man from Balwyn North is expected to be charged by summons with similar gambling-related offences.
On the same day, police searched an address on Whitehorse Road in Box Hill. They allege they found cash and handwritten ledgers documenting large-scale gambling. A 59-year-old woman from Box Hill, described by police as an alleged staff member, was arrested and is expected to be charged by summons with offences relating to suspected proceeds of crime and unauthorised gambling.
At a property in Balwyn North, officers found additional cash and casino chips, four firearms, other weapons, a large quantity of tobacco and equipment suspected of being used to manufacture drugs. A 45-year-old woman from Balwyn North was arrested and is expected to face charges relating to suspected proceeds of crime and firearms offences.
Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler of the Clandestine Laboratory Squad said the investigation was aimed at dismantling drug syndicates and reducing drug-related harm. Police have urged anyone with information about the importation, manufacture or trafficking of illicit drugs to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or submit a report through its official website.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police have announced charges against some people and say others are expected to be charged by summons. The allegations have not all been tested in court, and anyone charged is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
