Australia’s Trident Taskforce detectives have charged two people as part of a 12-month investigation into drug trafficking at a port facility in Melbourne.  They were arrested at Port Melbourne and Point Cook on 21 Feb.  Search warrants were subsequently executed at properties in Port Melbourne, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing as part of the ongoing investigation.  Police seized firearms, steroids, cash and a taser.

Detective Superintendent Jacqueline Curran said if employees are engaging in unlawful activity within the Maritime Security Zone they can expect to be caught, charged and brought before the courts.

“We are committed to identifying and removing people engaged in criminal activities within the maritime environment.  Those working within the Victorian Maritime industry can expect to see Taskforce Trident members around the docks on a regular basis.  We also know there are people with links to outlaw motorcycle gangs and organized crime groups operating on the docks and we will continue to investigate anyone found committing any offences.”

Australian Border Force (ABF) Regional Commander for Victoria and Tasmania, Craig Palmer, said Taskforce Trident demonstrated the resolve of the ABF and other law enforcement agencies to detect and respond to criminality and non-compliance at Melbourne’s Waterfront.

“We know that criminal elements will attempt to circumvent border controls, which is why we routinely share information, resources and assets to support investigations such as this,” Commander Palmer said.

Trident Taskforce is a multi-agency effort comprised of members from Victoria Police, ABF, Australian Transactions Reporting and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).  The ABF’s Border Watch program also plays an important role in uncovering illegal activity at the border.