Underworld figure and boxer Waleed Haddara has been arrested after police say they found him with drugs, cash and a knife during a search at a gym in Altona.
Haddara was nabbed after he was spotted by police dropping off a black satchel bag at a building near the gym about 8am on Tuesday.
Police say the bag was filled with methamphetamine, MDMA, cash, a flick knife and Haddara’s identification documents.
Officers then searched a home in South Kingsville connected to Haddara where they say they found more drugs, one can of pepper spray, one can of invisible number plate spray and a baton.
As an underworld figure, Haddara is subject to a firearm prohibition order that prevents him from having or obtaining guns, and allows police officers to search him and those in his vicinity without a warrant.
The Haddara crime family has been linked to large-scale tobacco importations in Australia and are believed to have dominated the black market trade for over a decade, before becoming embroiled in a violent turf war with tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad.
Hamad eventually forced the surrender of the Haddaras in early 2024, taking control of their distribution networks and shops.
Haddara has been charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and MDMA, negligently dealing with proceeds of crime, dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime and possessing a controlled weapon.
He will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm or drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
