Detectives from Taskforce Lunar charged a man overnight following an arson attack at a tobacco store in Point Cook in January.
With assistance from Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit, a search warrant was executed at a Campbellfield address yesterday afternoon.
A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 March.
Investigators seized ammunition as well as various quantities of what appear to be cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB from his address.
The charges follow an incident on Friday, 19 January where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong Street shortly before 6am.
A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on any organised crime activity linked to illicit tobacco is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar:
“Our investigators are working tirelessly to hold accountable every single person involved in the criminal offending related to this dispute and will continue to do so.
“But we also need the public’s help – if you are buying illicit tobacco, you are funding an arson attack, you are funding a shooting, you are funding the purchase of illicit firearms.
“I cannot be any clearer than that. If you purchase these cigarettes, you are lining the pockets of the criminal syndicates at the helm of this violent conflict.”
