Drug dealers arrested every week in meth hotspot

The statistic comes as an alleged methylamphetamine trafficking syndicate was busted in a crackdown aimed at purging the drug from Shepparton, about 180km northeast of Melbourne.

At least 12 people were arrested and six charged with drug trafficking or cultivation after detectives executed warrants in the Victorian hub on Friday.

More than 300 grams of meth with a street value of $60,000 were seized, along with other drugs, including GHB, cocaine and cannabis.

Police also discovered a machete, knuckledusters and ammunition, as well as an allegedly stolen Toyota LandCruiser and motorbike.

Detectives allege the syndicate was purchasing meth from Melbourne and selling it across the Shepparton and Mooroopna areas.

Officers have on average arrested and charged nearly one drug trafficker every week in a year in Shepparton, with almost 40 per cent of those alleged offenders accused of trafficking meth in the regional city.

"Methylamphetamine is a truly insidious substance that wreaks havoc in regional communities," Detective Acting Sergeant Lance Wiltshire said.

"Shepparton is not immune, with drugged up drivers, home break ins to feed addiction, family violence, and unsettling anti-social behaviour all undesirable flow on impacts from meth use.

"Our detectives are absolutely ruthless when it comes to pursuing drug traffickers, with one arrested every single week in Shepparton."

Wastewater data has revealed regional communities across Victoria are among the biggest users of meth in the country.

Five men and a woman aged between 27 and 42 from Shepparton, Mooroopna and Seymour are facing several drug trafficking or cultivation charges. 

All six were bailed to appear back in court between July and September.

Police said five additional people were charged over possession of drugs and illegal weapons.

The investigation into the syndicate remains ongoing.

Australian Associated Press