Ten people have been arrested and more than 700 charges laid following a covert police operation into an alleged drug-trafficking ring in regional Victoria.
Police said a six-month covert operation resulted in the arrests of people from Shepparton, Kialla, and Tatura between October 22 and December 1.
About $110,000 worth of methylamphetamine was seized, along with six allegedly stolen cars, two firearms and $60,000 cash, police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis said the investigation initially involved a small crew of detectives from the area but was expanded to involve police from across the state.
"These arrests have caused a huge dent in the supply of methylamphetamine across the Goulburn Valley," he said.
Of the 10 people arrested, two have been charged with more than 100 separate offences, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.
"Several of those arrested are now staring at the very real possibility of wasting the prime years of their lives inside a prison cell instead of enjoying life alongside their family and friend," Sergeant Shortis alleged.
The maximum penalty for trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine is 25 years' imprisonment.
No 'easy money'
Sergeant Shortis said police used various techniques to catch the alleged offenders.
He said the sting involved community tip-offs and police working to identify crimes in the region.
"Any perception that drug trafficking leads to fast or easy money could not be any further from the truth," Sergeant Shortis said."
"There is nothing easy about serving decades of your life in prison."
Sergeant Shortis said the police's actions could help to drive down other types of crime.
"The drug users have to support payment for these drugs," he said.
"They go and commit other crimes such as breaking into houses and cars … family violence.
"Hopefully as a result of this investigation, we'll see a reduction in other types of crime in the community as well."
