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Authorities responded to an urgent call on January 24 at a short-term rental property in Keilor East, Belle Vista, after a cleaner discovered a cache of suspicious items. Among the findings were explosives, firearms, $1 million in cash, and a significant amount of drugs.
Police suspect that these items are connected to organized crime activities.
The Bomb Response Unit was dispatched to the site, where they successfully neutralized several explosive devices.
The property had been rented for several weeks in January. During this time, investigators noted the frequent presence of a rented white Toyota Camry, which was seen traveling to and from the location.
Security footage captured an individual refueling the Camry at a gas station on Western Ring Road in Ardeer South on December 25.
Police want to speak to the man seen in the footage and urge anybody who recognises him to come forward.
The Camry was seized by police on January 24 and returned to the hire company.
The man in the CCTV is not the man who hired the car, police added.
Investigators said the man who hired the car has been spoken to but “has not been co-operative”.
“I would urge anyone out there who recognises this man or who has any information on the items located at this accommodation to do the right thing and come forward,” Major Drug Squad Detective Inspector Jamie Walker said.
“This was not a run-of-the-mill seizure of drugs and cash – there were incendiary devices and a large quantity of firearms.
“This is organised crime.
“We will track down those responsible and hold them to account. It would be in your best interests to tell us what you know now.”
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV or with any further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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