29 Arrested After Police Uncover Illegal Casinos, Drugs and Weapons in Melbourne Raids

A major police investigation in Melbourne, Australia, has resulted in 29 arrests after detectives uncovered two alleged illegal casinos and seized drugs, firearms, weapons and approximately A$600,000 in cash.

Victoria Police announced the arrests on October 23, 2026, saying the discoveries were made during an investigation into alleged drug manufacturing and trafficking across Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs.

The operation involved searches at properties in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne.

Illegal Casinos Discovered Inside Properties

Investigators uncovered suspected illegal gambling operations at two properties in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

In August, detectives allegedly discovered a casino operating in Carnegie, where multiple gambling rooms had been established. Police said 15 people, including two people working at the venue, were present and playing casino games.

A second suspected illegal casino was discovered in Box Hill on October 20. Two people allegedly operating the venue were arrested, and officers seized casino equipment.

At another Box Hill property, detectives reportedly found cash and handwritten records that they believed documented large-scale gambling activities.

Drugs, Firearms and Hundreds of Thousands in Cash Seized

The investigation also led police to seize substantial quantities of suspected illicit substances and other items believed to be connected to criminal activity.

According to Victoria Police, the seizures included:

• Approximately A$600,000 in cash.
• Seven kilograms of methylamphetamine.
• Five kilograms of ketamine.
• Five firearms, along with other weapons, including machetes, swords, daggers and tasers.
• Large quantities of illicit tobacco and vaping products.
• Casino chips and equipment associated with suspected illegal gambling.
• Drug-manufacturing equipment.

Police alleged that the methylamphetamine was being trafficked between Victoria and Western Australia.

Investigation Began With Earlier Arrests

The broader investigation began in July, when police arrested nine people allegedly connected to a criminal syndicate at a property in Bundoora, in Melbourne’s north.

Several suspects were charged with drug-related offences, while others were expected to face charges through summonses.

Further searches in October led to additional arrests, including a 40-year-old woman from South Melbourne who was charged with offences including trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.

A 43-year-old Chinese national was also charged after the alleged illegal casino in Box Hill was discovered. Police said he remained in custody.

Authorities said the investigation was ongoing, with further charges expected against some of those involved.

Police Target Alleged Organised Crime Network

Detective Inspector Carlie Kohler of Victoria Police’s Clandestine Laboratory Squad said the operation was intended to disrupt organised criminal activity and remove drugs and weapons from the community.

Investigators are continuing to examine the alleged links between the gambling operations, drug trafficking and suspected criminal networks.

The arrests represent a significant development in the investigation, although the allegations against those charged will need to be tested through the legal process.

Source:  ABC