High-end illegal casino in Melbourne’s west with $8000 buy-in busted

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Twenty-one people have been arrested after police busted an illegal high-end casino with an $8000 buy-in operating in a western Melbourne factory.

Victoria Police executed a search warrant in Truganina on Thursday night and seized cash, drugs, alcohol and gaming tables.

Police allege the venue was operating without a licence weekly and has attracted up to 50 patrons a night frequently this year.

A 35-year-old Truganina man – the alleged operator of the casino – is expected to be charged on summons with conducting unauthorised gambling, advertising unauthorised gambling, selling liquor without a licence, consuming liquor on unlicensed premises and having liquor on unlicensed premises.

Other gamblers at the factory overnight were in possession of illicit drugs, police say, and an unlicensed bar was serving alcohol.

The additional 20 people arrested are expected to be charged with being inside unauthorised gambling premises, consuming liquor on unlicensed premises, as well as drug possession offences.

The high-end illegal casino was operating out of a factory in Truganina.Credit: Nine News

Westgate Police Division Inspector Scott Colson said police would allege drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession had also occurred at the clandestine casino.

“When significant quantities of cash are seized from organised crime syndicates, we know this deals a hammer blow to their ability to fund further illegal activity,” he said.

“If you are involved in any kind of organised criminal activity, make no mistake, we have our eyes on you.”

The Victorian Gaming and Casino Control Commission was also involved in the major police operation, alongside the force’s anti-gang Viper taskforce, public order response team, state liquor unit, dog squad and drone unit.

Anyone with information about illegal gambling should contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or by submitting a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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