Melbourne drug raids: ‘Kingpin’ arrested

A drug kingpin is among 10 people arrested in synchronised raids across Melbourne overnight.

Police say they’ve smashed a large drug syndicate in the raids last night.

Detectives, backed by heavily-armed Special Operations Group officers, targeted homes in Carlton, Tullamarine, Balwyn North and St Kilda.

They seized drugs as well as firearms and items believed to be the proceeds of crime.

Among the arrested was a old Tullamarine man, 51, who police claim was in charge of the syndicate.

He will face court today charged with drug trafficking and possession, as well as firearms offences and dealing in property suspected of being proceeds of crime.