UNDERWORLD, DRUG SQUAD LINKS 'HIGHLY LIKELY': OMBUDSMAN

The Victorian Ombudsman's office is monitoring possible links between
Melbourne's underworld killings and corruption within the State's former
drug squad.

The Ombudsman has been overseeing the Ceja Taskforce investigation into
corruption within Victoria Police, which has so far charged more than 10
former members of the now defunct drug squad.

Ombudsman Bob Seamer says it is logical to assume underworld figures may
have connections with disgraced former police members.

"It's highly likely," he said.

"One would assume that it's possible they [people involved in the drug
trade] might have crossed paths with various members of the drug squad.

"[It's] just in the nature of their work of those members."

He concedes he has not yet been able to identify actual links.

"Look I'm not in any position to say whether any official links have been
established, but you know we're obvioulsy watching those things and
following them up," he said.

Another police taskforce, Purana, is trying solve more than 20 underworld
murders, the latest of which happened on Tuesday.