HUGE POLICE DRUGS RAID TOOK MONTHS OF PLANNING

A massive police operation early yesterday against a sophisticated
amphetamine manufacturing ring was one of the largest police efforts in
years and the culmination of months of investigation.

More than 200 Victoria Police were involved in the operation, in which
officers raided properties in three states. In Victoria, 32 houses and one
business were raided as part of Operation Orbost, resulting in the seizure
of large amounts of drugs, cash, firearms and stolen property.

The head of the drug squad, Inspector John McKoy, said the raids by his
squad and the special operations group were the result of months of
investigation into amphetamines dealing in Victoria, New South Wales and
Queensland.

Properties at Nerang in Queensland and near Wagga in New South Wales were
also raided as part of the operation on Tuesday night and yesterday morning.

Inspector McKoy said the seizure of several handguns in the raid was
disturbing in the wake of the shootings of two police in Moorabbin on
Sunday morning.

``Handguns are only made for one purpose and that is killing. Fortunately
in operations like this the drug squad has the luxury of knowing who we are
dealing with and whether they are armed.

``Therefore we can plan these operations meticulously and enjoy the
protection of the special operations group.

``Unfortunately our members patrolling the streets do not have those
luxuries. They are particularly at risk, as we have seen in recent
events,'' he said.

Inspector McKoy said the raids across 19 Melbourne suburbs found several
handguns, several hundred thousand dollars in cash and other stolen
property. Large amounts of amphetamines and chemicals were seized from a
property in Mt Evelyn.

Police also raided a computer business in Plenty Road, Reservoir, where
police arrested five men from Melbourne, two from NSW, one from Queensland
and seized drugs and cash.

``Some of the people involved in this group are large-scale organisers in
the amphetamine trade and through their arrest we have put a dent into
organised crime in this state,'' Inspector McKoy said.

In all, more than 20 people were arrested and 17 appeared in the Melbourne
Magistrates Court yesterday. All were charged with drug trafficking and
firearms offences and all but one were remanded to reappear in the
Magistrates Court at a later date.

The police chief commissioner, Mr Neil Comrie, praised members of the
operation for their work, despite the tragic events of the weekend.

``The professionalism and dedication of police working on this complex and
potentially dangerous operation shines through and demonstrates that,
despite the grief, we have kept working,'' he said.

Inspector McKoy said all officers involved in the operation were
``heartbroken'' but carried out their duties in a professional manner.

``We are dictated to by the criminals we deal with and we have to seize
opportunities as they arise; last night was the opportune time to end this
operation.''

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski