Taskforce Lunar detectives yesterday charged an 18-year-old man as part of their investigation into the alleged extortion of tobacco stores linked to a Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate.
The man was arrested at a Keilor East address yesterday afternoon.
He was charged with being a non-prohibited person possessing a ‘category A’ firearm, possessing ammunition, trafficking and possessing cannabis and failing to provide information for a data warrant.
Police seized a sawn-off bolt-action rifle, approximately 3kg of cannabis, an assortment of ammunition and a 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Investigators reviewed CCTV seized from his address, locating vision where the 18-year-old Keilor East man is allegedly directed to collect extortion payments from tobacco stores in early March.
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 4.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
