Police have made another arrest as part of their operation targeting arson attacks on Victorian tobacco stores, this one in relation to an attack on a Point Cook outlet.
A 26-year-old man’s been charged following an attack at a store Murnong Street shortly before 6am on Friday, January 19.
A stolen car with fake number plates was reportedly used during the incident, where the business sustained minor damage.
The man had his Campbellfield home searched by detectives from the Lunar Takforce on Tuesday afternoon, where police say they found drugs and ammunition.
The man as charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs of dependence, possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
“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,” Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar said.
“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.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
