On January 24, police were alerted to a short-term rental property in Belle Vista, Keilor East, after a cleaner discovered several alarming items, including explosives, firearms, a staggering $1 million in cash, and a significant amount of illegal drugs. Authorities suspect that these items are associated with organised crime.
The Bomb Response Unit promptly responded to the scene, successfully detaching and safely detonating various incendiary devices found on the premises. The rental property had been occupied for several weeks in January, during which investigators identified a white Toyota Camry rental vehicle making notable trips to and from the site.
It’s reported that a man appeared on CCTV footage filling the Camry at a petrol station near the Western Ring Road in Ardeer South on December 25. Police are keen to speak with this individual, urging anyone who might recognise him to come forward with information. The Camry was later seized by officers and returned to the rental company.
Authorities clarified that the man captured on the CCTV is not the individual who rented the vehicle. While the renter has been contacted, he has reportedly been uncooperative in providing information. Major Drug Squad Detective Inspector Jamie Walker issued a plea for community assistance, stating, “I urge anyone who recognises this man or has information about the items discovered at the rental to come forward.” He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, noting, “This is not your typical drug and cash seizure – it involves incendiary devices and a substantial number of firearms.”
Detective Walker reiterated the gravity of the case, linking it directly to organised crime, and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible for the alarming find. He encouraged anyone with knowledge of the events to speak up, as it would greatly aid in the investigation.
Anyone with relevant information or who may identify the individual in the CCTV footage is urged to reach out to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.