MELBOURNE – Police in Melbourne have arrested eight people after dismantling an alleged drug and firearm trafficking syndicate.

The police force in the state of Victoria said in a statement that officers investigating the distribution of cocaine, peptides, steroids and firearms executed simultaneous search warrants at 12 properties across Melbourne on Thursday morning.

During the searches, police located and seized large quantities of peptides and almost 20 firearms.

Eight people were arrested and are expected to be charged with dozens of drug trafficking and firearms offenses, Victoria Police said, adding that the syndicate was also involved in importing illicit tobacco.