Warrants were executed during early raids on 13 residential properties aimed at busting syndicate members, with investigators seizing drugs, firearms, ammunition, silencers and proceeds of crime.

Officers seized 14 guns of varying types, including three made by a 3D printer that was found during a linked arrest last fortnight in Lyndhurst.

Other seized items include a sword, a commercial quantity of drugs, believed to be methamphetamines, and a significant quantity of cash as part of the operation.

Police raided properties in Noble Park North, Rowville, Endeavour Hills, Narre Warren, Mount Waverley, Carrum, Carrum Downs, Wheelers Hill, Seaford, Lyndhurst and Mulgrave in raids conducted before 7am.

Seven men and two women were taken into custody aged between 23 and 48 and will be interviewed today.

They were a 30-year-old Noble Park North man, a 27-year-old Noble Park North woman, a 25-year-old Noble Park North man, a 23-year-old Narre Warren woman, a 28-year-old Endeavour Hills man, a 43-year-old Lyndhurst man, a 26-year-old Wheelers Hill man, a 48-year-old Carrum man and a 26-year-old Mount Waverley man.

This morning’s raids are part of a five-month operation which has already made six prior arrests.

Investigators are certain they have disrupted a significant organised crime gang operating in the south-east but have ruled out links to outlaw bikie clubs at this stage.

More arrests are possible, with police keen to identify more suspects.

Last month, six alleged syndicate members were charged with serious offences including firearms trafficking and the manufacturing and trafficking drugs in Melbourne’s southeast.

Two vehicles, a Ford Mustang and a motorcycle, that had been allegedly stolen were also recovered as part of the operation.

Superintendent Amy Gledden said today’s arrests were a reminder that police will continue to take action against those that engage in criminal activity.

“Today’s operation has seen an organised crime syndicate which has a significant influence in the distribution of methamphetamines in the south eastern suburbs brought to a halt,” she said.

“This syndicate was able to access large quantities of drugs and was also responsible for the trafficking and the manufacture of firearms.

“They then armed themselves to carry out serious offences and presented a significant risk to our community.

“Those arrested will now face serious charges as a consequence of their criminal activities and more importantly, a large number of firearms have been removed from our streets which will prevent them being used for criminal activity.”

Superintendent Gledden said today’s result is not just about making arrests but the broader ramifications of targeting this type of offending.

“This is about community safety, protecting the community and reducing harm caused by organised criminal groups such these,” she said.

“We know firearms and drugs are two things that have a significant negative impact on and cause immense harm to our local communities.

“Drugs are often a major driver of further crime, including assaults, aggravated burglaries and robberies.

“We also know that where people have access to firearms, particularly those obtained illegally, there is the potential for these crimes to escalate with serious and possibly fatal consequences.

“Today’s warrants should send a clear message that police will not tolerate these offences and will continue to proactively target those who engage in this type of criminal behaviour.”

Apart from the nine people in custody, six already are preparing to face court.

The six, all raided in November and early December, were:

•A 36-year-old Keysborough man from Dingley Village charged with drug trafficking and possession offences, as well as possess prohibited weapon;

•A 32-year-old Warragul woman arrested in Dingley Village and charged with drug possession offences, possess prohibited weapon and possess controlled weapon;

•A 28-year-old Lyndhurst man charged with a range of gun offences including possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition, dealing in proceeds of crime, possess silencer without a permit, drug offences and breaching bail conditions;

•A 26-year-old Lyndhurst man found with drugs and firearms including an unregistered handgun, ammunition and a silencer without a permit, dealing proceeds crime;

•A 31-year-old Melbourne man arrested in the Melbourne CBD and charged with traffic and possess drug offences, and negligently deal proceeds of crime; and

•A 22-year-old Springvale South man arrested on December 1 charged with resist police, possess proceeds of crime and fraudulently display numberplate.

The Lyndhurst men were remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on February 21, while the Melbourne man was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on December 14.

The Springvale South man was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on December 8 and the pair arrested at Dingley Village were bailed to appear in court at a date to be determined.