VICTORIA POLICE
Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a man as part of their investigation into alleged extortions of tobacco stores linked to a Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at a Keilor East residential address yesterday afternoon. He has been charged with non-prohibited person possess Cat A firearm, possess ammunition, traffick/possess cannabis and fail to provide information for data warrant.
Police seized a sawn off bolt action rifle, approximately 3kg of cannabis, an assortment of ammunition and a 2011 Volkswagen Golf from his address. The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 4 August.
Taskforce Lunar executed 12 search warrants across Melbourne’s northern suburbs on 17 March, charging 14 people, including an 18-year-old Essendon man who was charged with extortion.
Investigators reviewed CCTV seized from his address, locating vision where an 18-year-old Keilor East man is allegedly directed to collect extortion payments from tobacco stores in early March.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.
