Victoria
Dozens arrested after illegal Melbourne casinos uncovered in drug probe
Police have arrested 29 people after uncovering two illegal casinos in Melbourne's eastern suburbs during a drug manufacturing investigation.
Police in Victoria have arrested 29 people after shutting down two illegal casinos operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The arrests were made as part of a broader, ongoing investigation into alleged drug manufacturing in the state, representing a significant development in local law enforcement efforts.
According to a wire report, the discovery of the illicit gaming venues was linked directly to the drug inquiry. Officers uncovered the two clandestine casino operations during their investigations, leading to a coordinated response and the subsequent arrests of almost three dozen individuals.
Details regarding the exact locations of the two illegal casinos, the specific charges laid against the 29 individuals, and the scale of the alleged drug manufacturing operation have not yet been publicly released by authorities. It is also currently unconfirmed what types of gaming equipment, cash, or illicit substances were seized during the police operations, as investigators continue to process the scenes.
Law enforcement agencies in Victoria have previously warned of the close links between illicit gambling dens and broader organised crime networks, including drug distribution and money laundering. However, police have not yet detailed how long the two venues in the eastern suburbs had been operating, or how many people were allegedly patronising them before the raids occurred.
The names of the individuals charged and the dates of their scheduled court appearances also remain undisclosed at this stage of the inquiry.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to process the evidence gathered from the suburban sites.
Watch for further statements from Victoria Police regarding the specific charges laid against the accused and more details on the scale of the seized operations.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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