Nine people have been charged with drug offences after a series of raids at Sunbury and Romsey.
Cannabis, ecstasy, steroids, prescription drugs, methylamphetamine and precursor chemicals were seized after police entered nine houses across the two towns at 6.30am on Thursday.
Police said illegal fireworks, stolen goods and a large quantity of cash were also found.
This follows major raids carried out in the towns in November last year.
Acting Detective Sergeant Anthony Gasparini said the ongoing Operation Zurla sought to smash drug manufacturing and trafficking in the area.
Police from the divisional response unit, Embona taskforce, Hume crime investigation unit, the clandestine laboratory unit, dog squad and Sunbury and Romsey police were involved in the raids.
‘‘We know the current ice epidemic has caused significant harm and a negative impact to our local communities,’’ Detective Sergeant Gasparini said.
He said drugs are often a major driver of other crimes, such as assaults and robberies, and he urged anyone with knowledge about those involved in illegal drugs to contact police. ‘‘If there are people who have information, then we encourage them to come forward,’’ Detective Sergeant Gasparini said.
‘‘Police will not tolerate these offences, and will continue to target those who engage in this type of criminal behaviour.’’
Those charged include Sunbury men aged 48, 20, 26, 29 and 36, a Romsey man aged 35 and Sunbury women aged 45, 31 and 23.
In June, Star Weekly reported that a police crackdown on drugs was bearing fruit, with the number of use and possession offences up 67 per cent on last year.
Crime Statistics Agency figures show drug use and possession offences for the year till March 31 rose from 462 to 773. Drug dealing and trafficking crimes went from 97 to 149.
