- Published:
- Friday 20 March 2026 at 11:20 am
A man accused of heading a significant drug trafficking network across metropolitan Melbourne has been arrested while walking his dog in Balaclava.
Investigators from the Prahran Divisional Response Unit made their move on Wednesday morning, following an eight-month investigation into the alleged trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA.
Following the arrest, officers raided a unit on Blenheim Street, uncovering more than $835,000 in drugs and cash:
- Approximately 1.2kg of cocaine worth $425,950
- Almost 900g of methamphetamine worth $267,900
- $62,000 worth of ketamine
- Approximately 400 MDMA pills worth $20,000
- Approximately 240 vials of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone tablets worth $60,000
- In excess of 100 rounds of ammunition
- Fraudulent registration plates
- Cannabis
- Cash
- Electronic devices
The Balaclava man has been charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine, trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine, and trafficking ketamine and MDMA, as well as possessing steroids, and possessing ammunition without a licence.
He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he was further remanded to reappear at a later date.
This week’s arrest is the latest in a string of drug trafficking busts by local detectives.
The latest crime data reveals one drug trafficker is arrested in the Balaclava, St Kilda, and St Kilda East areas each week, with 128 charged across 2024 and 2025 combined.
Police implore anyone who has any information on drug trafficking to make a report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au, which can be done anonymously.
Quotes attributable to Prahran Divisional Response Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Ben Aldons:
“A commercial drug trafficking charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. This surely outweighs any benefits associated with a life of dealing drugs.
“You will lose a lot more in the long run, including your freedom, reputation, and your ability to land a job in the future.
“Police are continuing to take one drug trafficker off St Kilda streets each week, helping disrupt the supply to criminals, addicts and other users.”
Media Unit
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