Say it ain't so...

Senior police say the unit will continue to operate into next year, although they are satisfied the underworld war - at least on Melbourne streets - is over. Senior prison officers have kept suspected warring parties separated in jail to ensure the feud does not continue behind bars.

The last known gangland-related murder was Caine's on May 8 - more than a year ago.

Some key Purana investigators have been allowed to return to other duties, while the remaining detectives prepare briefs of evidence for court appearances.

"It's important to remember that we have not had a Purana-related murder for well over a year," said Stephen Linnell, a spokesman for Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon.

"That's not to say Purana's work is finished. In fact, there's still a tremendous amount of work to do. You certainly haven't heard the last of Purana.

"There's already some cases before the courts and there's a number yet to come. In a sense Purana's work will never be completed. It's the start of a new way of combating organised crime and we are very much focused on continuing that fight.

"It's important for the community to understand that Victoria Police is committed to continuing the fight against organised crime."

AFL coach Mick Malthouse famously described a sporting club's fortunes being like a clock. If you win a premiership at midnight, then 1-3 is your rebuilding time, and you must begin to deliver by 9 o'clock.

The current Underworld status is about 2 o'clock. As was rightly pointed out, we haven't had a hit since Lewis Caine on May 8 2004. The main players are behind bars or dead. The vacuum we here at MU have been talking about is growing day by day and rest assured folks- the current crews are in all manner of strife, but let us say this right fucking now lest there be any confusion:

THIS IS NOT THE FUCKING END.