HAMILTON Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives played a supporting role in a seven-month investigation into drug trafficking in Warrnambool, which saw two women and one man arrested and charged.

Led by Warrnambool Divisional Tasking Unit officers, the investigation, which was part of Operation Groats, also involved Warrnambool and Portland CIU detectives as well as officers from the Warrnambool Crime Scene Services, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and Family Violence Unit.

The operation culminated in the execution of warrants at three properties in Raglan Parade, Lachlan Street, and Morriss Road last Wednesday, where a number of items were seized including more than $20,000 in cash, quantities of substances alleged to be methylamphetamine and GHB, ammunition, and a knuckle duster.

The first 30-year-old woman appeared at the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, where she did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody until January 16. She was charged with conspiracy to traffic methylamphetamine, three counts of traffic methylamphetamine, possess methylamphetamine, two counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail and possess proceeds of crime.

The 38-year-old man also appeared at the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court last Thursday where his bail application was refused and he was also remanded in custody until January 16. He was charged with traffic methylamphetamine, deal with property suspected proceeds of crime, possess methylamphetamine, possess prohibited weapon and fail to comply with direction.

The second 30-year-old woman was bailed last Wednesday to appear in court at a later date. She was charged with five counts of traffick methylamphetamine, traffick GHB, possess prohibited weapon, deal with property suspected proceeds of crime, possess methylamphetamine, possess prohibited weapon and fail to comply with direction.