A man has been charged with an arson attack on a Point Cook tobacco store in January.
A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested by police on Tuesday afternoon during a search warrant executed at a Campbellfield address.
Investigators searching the address also seized ammunition as well as various quantities of what appear to be cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB.
The man was charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possessing drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possessing ammunition without a licence and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 8.
The charges follow a fire at tobacconist on Murnong Street, Point Cook shortly before 6am on January 19.
Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.
A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said police were working tirelessly to stamp out the spate of arson attacks on tobacconists across Victoria and bring those responsible to account.
However, he said the public had a role to play too in combating the illegal tobacco trade too.
“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,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
