Police probing the bar wars firebombings have allegedly discovered mass drug hauls after co-ordinated raids across Melbourne saw two teenagers arrested.
Operation Eclipse, which is investigating the orchestrated attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues via encrypted apps, executed search warrants at homes in Port Melbourne and Fraser Rise, and a business in Keilor Downs on Friday.
Methylamphetamine, cocaine and ecstacy was allegedly seized by raiding police, along with counterfeit notes, steroids, a dagger, OC spray, mobile phones, two extendable batons and a Porsche SUV.
Fraser Rise man Rivin Muthucumarana, 19, was remanded in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday where he faced multiple meth trafficking charges, one count of attempting to traffick a handgun, and committing indictable offences on bail.
The court heard he was suffering a knee and neck injury, and it was his first time in custody.
He’s expected to apply for bail at a later date, while his bail on separate charges was revoked, to return to court in September.
Another man, 18, from Caroline Springs, was also arrested during the raids but released after he was interviewed, pending further inquiries.
Operation Eclipse launched in April to investigate the organised crime syndicate behind repeated attacks on Melbourne licenced venues.
The taskforce is now probing other violence directed by the syndicate, including extortion of businesses in a bid to control the illegal drug and tobacco markets.
Investigations are ongoing, along with overt and covert patrols of hospitality venues.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.