Lara man arrested after raids on three properties

A 28 year old Lara man has been charged with 14 offences after police undertook raids on three properties across Geelong.

The VIPER (visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance) Taskforce executed search warrants at properties in St Albans Park, Grovedale and Lara on July 21.

The man was arrested at the Flinders Avenue property in Lara, where a search found 29 firearm related items including stocks, scopes and ammunation, as well as a quantity of drugs.

He’s been bailed to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court in November, after being charged with 14 offences relating to drugs and firearms as well as bail related offences.

A Victoria Police spokesperson says the taskforce was only recently set up

“The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.”

“The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further resources to assist with investigation tactics and enforcement actions.”