Victoria Police has conducted a covert operation in the Bairnsdale area over the past two days in a multi-faceted sting to crackdown on illegal crime.
Codenamed Operation TOP, local police were joined by a range of specialist units, including Crime Command's VIPER Taskforce, which targets outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime gangs and street gangs.
During the operation, police conducted a number of Firearm Prohibition Orders searches, drug and search warrants, targeted patrols and bail curfew checks.
The multilateral police presence in town also involved the Public Order Response Team, Dog Squad, Water Police, Border Force and State Highway Patrol.
Police followed up on outstanding warrants and investigations where alleged offenders were still unaccounted for.
Acting Inspector, Mark Rossiter, said the operation "sends a clear message to anyone involved in organised crime and think regional towns like Bairnsdale are a safe haven to think again".
To read the full story, grab your copy of the Bairnsdale Advertiser from your local newsagent or subscribe online.