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An international organized crime syndicate has been dismantled by the Australian federal and state police, resulting in the arrest of 27 people, authorities said on Friday.
In a joint statement with Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said, "More than 42 kilograms of drugs have been seized."
AFP said 99 designer handbags and wallets, 4 million AU dollars (4.17 million U.S. dollars) in cash, 5 million AU dollars worth of residential properties and Casino chips worth 600,000 AU dollars have been restrained.
A Lamborghini has also been seized as part of the joint operation by the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police.
AFP said a host of handbags,wallets, cash, residential properties and Casino chipshave been restrained.
According to the AFP, Operation Volante began in April 2012 to target a longstanding international organized crime syndicate importing and trafficking substantial quantities of heroin and methamphetamine into Australia.
The AFP partnered with Victoria Police targeted the syndicate with the assistance from the Australian Customs, New South Wales Police and the Australian Crime Commission.
The AFP and Victoria Police conducted 37 search warrants across Melbourne over the past three days, subsequently arresting six men.
The 21 other people arrested through the course of the investigation have appeared in courts in New South Wales and Victoria, the AFP said. "This operation will have a significant impact on the syndicate internationally and shows how successful joint partnerships are in combating organized crime groups targeting Australia." AFP Manager Serious and Organized Crime, David Sharpe said in a statement.
AFP says the investigation is continuing both in Australia and overseas and further arrests are expected.
