An alleged drug trafficker’s extensive Lego collection has been seized in a major Victorian police bust.
Police executed five simultaneous search warrants in Essendon North, Brunswick, two in South Melbourne and one in Morwell, where a 45-year-old man was arrested.
During the searches, detectives seized 180kg of 1,4-Butanediol – similar to the party drug GHB – which carries a value of more than $600,000.
Police also uncovered other illegal substances and weapons, as well as 74 boxes of Lego, a Rolex watch and four Breitling watches.
Investigators will allege these products are the proceeds of crime.
Detective Acting Sergeant Brad Hobbs explained the consumer danger of 1,4-Butanediol.
“Often offenders import this drug as an industrial product then sell it at enormous profit but also with enormous community harm,” he said.
“Overwhelmingly what users believe is GHB is actually 1,4-Butanediol.
“The drug can be unpredictable and the difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small.
“There is absolutely no safe amount to ingest.
“That’s why we’re committed to removing it from unintended hands.”
Police also seized paraphernalia used to make methylamphetamine, including over 30kg of both iodine and hypophosphorous acid.
When mixed with other ingredients, those quantities have the potential to make around 20kg of methylamphetamine – a street value of around $2 million.
The man was yesterday afternoon charged with 10 offences, including trafficking a large commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, three counts of committing an indictable offence on bail, trafficking methylamphetamine and possessing a prohibited firearm.
He was remanded overnight to appear before Latrobe Magistrates’ Court today.
