Police have seized a tomahawk, cash, steroids, illicit tobacco, mobile phones and other devices while searching seven properties during a investigation into organised crime attacks at Melbourne hospitality venues.
As part of Operation Eclipse, search warrants were this morning executed at properties in Wollert, Epping, Mernda, Craigieburn and Lalor.
Police also searched two residential addresses in Mulgrave and Dandenong for prohibited firearms.
Operation Eclipse began on April 27 to target a number of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in at least 35 incidents where licensed premises, adult entertainment venues or people associated with those businesses have been targeted.
The incidents have included a string of arson attacks, along with kidnappings, drive-by shootings and aggravated burglaries.
Police today charged a 25-year-old Mernda man with failing to provide a passcode, possessing a prescription drug and possessing a weapon. He has been bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on July 30.
Loading…
A 28-year-old Craigieburn man was also charged with failing to provide a passcode, and bailed to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on December 4.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks said Victoria Police had “dozens of investigators and intelligence analysts working on identifying and commissioning these crimes, so we can best target those who are causing the greatest harm in our community.
“Operations such as this are crucial when it comes to building that contemporary intelligence picture and the devices seized today will now be analysed by our cyber specialists.
“The broader community also play a key role in helping police identify and target those involved, and I strongly encourage anyone with information about these offences to come forward and speak to us.”
In an interview with 774 ABC Melbourne this week, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said police were working to unearth the criminal networks responsible for the ongoing attacks.
He said the firebombings would stop when police “worked our way to the top of the tree”.
“We’ve had over 65 arrests, over 350 charges laid against people, but they are mainly the people who are doing the arson attacks, the kidnappings, the home invasions,” he said.
“Our absolute priority is to work out who are tasking these crimes. So they are tasking young people. This is obviously serious organised crime.”
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
