World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
29 arrested in Melbourne investigation into illegal casinos and drug trafficking
Victoria Police arrested 29 people in an investigation involving two illegal casinos in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and alleged drug activity.
Police say searches in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne uncovered seven kilograms of methylamphetamine, five kilograms of ketamine, weapons, tobacco, vapes and $600,000 in cash.
The casino discoveries were part of a wider investigation into alleged drug manufacturing and suspected organised crime.
Police say one casino was found in Carnegie in August, and a second was discovered in Box Hill in October.
Some people have been charged, while others are expected to face charges; those still to be charged are expected to receive summonses.
A 43-year-old Chinese national charged over the Box Hill casino remains in custody, as do four people arrested earlier in the investigation.
Police say the arrests aim to disrupt drug networks and get drugs and weapons off the streets, and have asked people with information about drug importation, manufacturing or trafficking to come forward.
Police arrested 29 people in Melbourne during an investigation into illegal casinos and alleged drug manufacturing and trafficking.
Searches uncovered two suspected illegal casinos, weapons, $600,000 in cash, illegal tobacco and vapes, seven kilograms of methylamphetamine and five kilograms of ketamine.
The searches took place in Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne.
The investigation began with arrests in July and later uncovered suspected casinos in Carnegie and Box Hill.
Victoria Police said the arrests were part of efforts to disrupt organised crime and remove drugs and weapons from the streets.
- Who
- Victoria Police arrested 29 people. Those arrested included people allegedly linked to illegal casinos and drug offences.
- What
- Police uncovered two suspected illegal casinos and seized drugs, cash, weapons, tobacco and drug-manufacturing equipment.
- When
- The investigation included arrests in July, casino discoveries in August and October, and a total of 29 arrests reported on October 22, 2026.
- Where
- Melbourne, including Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne.
- Why
- Police were investigating alleged drug manufacturing and trafficking and suspected illegal gambling.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Police arrested nine people allegedly linked to a crime syndicate at a property in Bundoora.
Detectives uncovered a suspected illegal casino in Carnegie.
Police executed a search warrant at a South Melbourne property and arrested a 40-year-old woman.
Police searched a property in Box Hill, discovered a second suspected illegal casino and arrested two alleged operators.
ABC Australia reported that police had arrested 29 people in the investigation.
- People arrested
- 29
- Cash seized
- $600,000
- Methylamphetamine seized
- 7 kilograms
- Ketamine seized
- 5 kilograms
- Suspected illegal casinos uncovered
- 2
- Search locations
- Carnegie, Box Hill, Balwyn North and South Melbourne
What people are saying
Uncovering these casinos and putting an end to the illegal activities taking place inside them helps get drugs and weapons off the streets.
These arrests are a crucial part of our commitment to dismantle organised crime on every level.
We need anyone with information on illicit drugs being imported, manufactured or trafficked to come forward.