Avondale raid reveals big haul

Seven people have been arrested after drugs raids in Avondale on Monday morning and last Thursday.

Search warrants were carried out at five properties in Bellgrove Pl, Victor St and Sceptre St, near Avondale College.

Synthetic cannabis, cannabis, cash, a shotgun and ammunition were all seized during the searches. Synthetic drugs were made illegal in 2014.

Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said that police investigations into alleged drug dealing in Avondale had been ongoing ‘‘for some time’’.

All seven people taken into police custody were charged; they were two women and five men aged between 18 and 44 years old.

Charges included possession of synthetic cannabis for supply, cannabis, methamphetamine, and utensils.

One person was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, and another with breach of bail.

‘‘This is an area with lots of young families and children, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in this area is safe and feels safe, and that the kids living here have a happy and positive neighbourhood,’’ said Whittacker.

‘‘I’d like to thank the residents for their patience this morning, we know it can be a bit scary seeing lots of police in your area, but we are committed to making Avondale a safe place for all residents, and I hope this morning’s arrests send a clear message that there is no place for this activity in this community.’’

The Armed Offenders Squad was involved with parts of the operation as a precautionary measure, a police spokeswoman said.

‘‘This morning’s operation is the result of a long-running investigation into the sale and distribution of synthetic cannabis,’’ she said.