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AS IT HAPPENED: Police raid Ascot house
AN ASCOT man, 34, has been remanded in custody and will face the Bendigo Magistrates Court today, after being charged with drug trafficking, possession of firearms and possessing proceeds of crime.
The charges come after raids of a Bendigo business and the man's Arrawalli Avenue home yesterday. Police found a semi-automatic pistol, large amounts of ammunition, methamphetamine, ecstasy pills, large amounts of cash believed to be the proceeds of crime and an imitation hand gun.
The operation was a cooperation between the Central Victorian Response Unit, the Australian Federal Police, the Critical Incident Response Team and Bendigo police.
Sergeant Peckham the raids were the result of extensive investigations.
Police performed a Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act search warrant in two locations on Thursday afternoon.
Sergeant Peckham said firearms, drugs, ammunition and cash were concealed throughout the man's Ascot home and a Bendigo business.
"It's fair to say we would regard this as a successful operation," Sergeant Peckham said.
"Society expects us to act against drugs and we are determined to disrupt any persons involved in trafficking, manufacturing, possession or use of drugs.
"Any disruption to the traffic and manufacturing and possession of drugs that we can do is certainly a win. That's our aim."
Sergeant Peckham said there was no suggestion the loaded semi-automatic pistol was being used "in a threatening manner" but that it was concerning that police found such an item.
"I’m keen to stress the fact that yes, we found a loaded firearm but no, it wasn’t being used in a manner that should concern people."
The man was known to police and the raids were the result of extensive investigations.
Sergeant Peckham said the raids were not part of the Dob In A Dealer campaign run by CrimeStoppers and Victoria Police but encouraged people to continue to use that service.
"All information is greatly appreciated and all information is acted upon," he said.
To contact Crimestoppers, call 1800 333 000.