A 43-year-old man has been charged in Melbourne for allegedly using rideshare drivers to facilitate drug deliveries along a popular nightlife strip. Police conducted a raid on his residence in Prahran last Friday, uncovering a concealed stash of illegal drugs and weapons hidden behind a secret bookshelf.
Authorities claim that the man distributed a drug menu to patrons at local nightclubs and bars on Chapel Street, detailing various substances along with their weights and prices. According to police, orders were purportedly placed through an encrypted messaging app, with drugs being collected from the alleged dealer’s home or delivered directly to buyers using unsuspecting rideshare drivers, who were not aware of the illicit cargo.
During the raid, which took place around 5am on July 4, investigators discovered a range of illegal drugs, including nearly $11,000 worth of cocaine, $6,000 worth of MDMA, and around $10,000 worth of 1,4-Butanediol and methamphetamine, with a combined estimated street value exceeding $16,000. In addition to the drugs, police seized steroids, prescription medications, and a collection of prohibited weapons, which included an imitation Glock, knuckle dusters, daggers, a slingshot, an axe, an extendable baton, and fireworks.
The man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with 30 offences, encompassing drug trafficking, possession of controlled substances, and illegal weapons possession while on bail. Following his court appearance at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 5, he was remanded in custody, with a further court date scheduled for July 15.
Additionally, a 33-year-old woman from South Melbourne was apprehended during the raid and received a caution for cocaine possession.